I'll be right back
in SpanishAhora vuelvo
/ah-OH-rah VWELL-voh/
This is the most common, direct, and universally understood way to say 'I'll be right back.' It literally means 'Now I return' and is perfect for almost any situation.
A quick wave is all you need when you use a phrase like 'Ahora vuelvo' to let someone know you'll be back in a moment.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Ya vuelvo
/yah VWELL-voh/
Essentially interchangeable with 'Ahora vuelvo.' The word 'ya' adds a sense of immediacy, like saying 'I'm returning *right now*.' It's extremely common and natural-sounding.
Ya regreso
/yah reh-GREH-soh/
This version uses the verb 'regresar,' which also means 'to return.' It's a perfect synonym for 'Ya vuelvo' and is widely used everywhere.
Regreso en un momento
/reh-GREH-soh ehn oon moh-MEN-toh/
A slightly more complete and polite way to say it, literally meaning 'I'll return in a moment.' It feels a tiny bit more formal than 'Ahora vuelvo.'
No tardo
/noh TAR-doh/
A very common and friendly expression that means 'I won't be long' or 'I won't take long.' It focuses on the short duration of your absence.
Ahorita vengo / Ahorita vuelvo
/ah-oh-REE-tah VEN-goh / VWELL-voh/
A classic informal phrase in certain regions. 'Ahorita' is a diminutive of 'ahora' (now) and implies immediacy in this context, though it can be famously ambiguous in others.
Enseguida vuelvo
/ehn-seh-GHEE-dah VWELL-voh/
'Enseguida' means 'immediately' or 'right away.' This version sounds efficient and is a bit more formal than the standard options.
Vuelvo en un minuto
/VWELL-voh ehn oon mee-NOO-toh/
A very literal phrase meaning 'I'll be back in a minute.' You can also say 'en un segundo' (in a second).
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here's a quick comparison of the most common ways to say 'I'll be right back' to help you choose the best one for your situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahora vuelvo / Ya vuelvo | Neutral | Almost any situation; it's the universal standard. | Never, this is always a safe and correct option. |
| Regreso en un momento | Neutral/Slightly Formal | Work settings or when you want to sound extra polite. | It's fine anywhere, but might be a bit wordy for very casual chats. |
| No tardo | Casual | Friends, family, and informal environments. | A formal business meeting or when addressing someone with 'usted'. |
| Ahorita vengo | Informal | Casual conversations in Mexico and Central America. | Formal settings, or in countries like Spain or Argentina where it's not common. |
📈Difficulty Level
Fairly easy. The 'v' in 'vuelvo' is soft, like a mix between a 'b' and a 'v'. The 'll' sound is like an English 'y'.
Very simple. It uses the basic 'yo' (I) form of a verb in the present tense. No complex rules to memorize.
The main nuance is knowing the regional differences, especially the use and flexible meaning of 'ahorita'. Otherwise, the concept is straightforward.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering to use the present tense instead of the future
- Knowing which regional variation (like 'ahorita vengo') is appropriate
💡Examples in Action
Voy a la cocina por un vaso de agua. Ahora vuelvo.
I'm going to the kitchen for a glass of water. I'll be right back.
Disculpe, necesito revisar un dato en mi oficina. Regreso en un momento.
Excuse me, I need to check a piece of information in my office. I'll be back in a moment.
¡Uy, dejé la cartera en el coche! No tardo, espérame aquí.
Oops, I left my wallet in the car! I won't be long, wait for me here.
Mamá, voy a la tienda de la esquina. ¡Ahorita vengo!
Mom, I'm going to the corner store. I'll be right back!
🌍Cultural Context
The Magic of the Present Tense
In English, we use the future ('I will be...') for this phrase. But in Spanish, it's far more natural to use the simple present tense ('Ahora vuelvo' - 'Now I return'). This is very common for actions in the immediate future. Using the future tense ('Volveré') sounds very formal, dramatic, or even like a movie line.
The Flexible 'Ahorita'
In Mexico and Central America, 'ahorita' is a cornerstone of daily conversation. While in the phrase 'Ahorita vengo' it clearly means 'right back,' be aware that in other contexts, 'ahorita' can mean anything from 'right this second' to 'in a little while' or even 'maybe later.' It's a famously flexible word that depends heavily on context and tone.
A Relaxed Sense of 'Right Back'
While the intention is always to return shortly, the cultural perception of time can be more relaxed in many Spanish-speaking countries compared to, say, the United States or Germany. 'Un momento' might be a few minutes. This isn't a rule, just a general observation that punctuality can be more fluid.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Future Tense
Mistake: "Saying 'Volveré ahora' or 'Regresaré en un momento.'"
Correction: Ahora vuelvo / Regreso en un momento.
Literally Translating 'I will be'
Mistake: "Trying to translate word-for-word, like 'Estaré de vuelta ahora.'"
Correction: Ahora vuelvo.
Confusing 'Volver' and 'Devolver'
Mistake: "Saying 'Ahora devuelvo' when you mean you are coming back."
Correction: Ahora vuelvo.
💡Pro Tips
Keep it Simple with the Present Tense
Your number one takeaway should be to use the present tense. 'Vuelvo', 'regreso', 'vengo'. This simple trick will make you sound much more natural when talking about immediate future plans.
Your Go-To Phrase: 'Ahora Vuelvo'
When in doubt, 'Ahora vuelvo' or 'Ya vuelvo' are your safest bets. They are understood everywhere, are perfectly polite, and fit in any context from a casual chat to a business meeting.
Add Politeness
To make your statement even more polite, you can add a little something before or after. For example: 'Con permiso, ahora vuelvo' ('Excuse me, I'll be right back') or 'Regreso en un momento, gracias' ('I'll be back in a moment, thank you').
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico & Central America
The use of 'ahorita' is the defining characteristic. It's a marker of informal, friendly speech in this region. 'No tardo' is also extremely common and conveys a friendly, reassuring tone.
Spain
Word order is very flexible, so 'Ahora vuelvo' and 'Vuelvo ahora' are both extremely common. 'Vengo ahora' (literally 'I'm coming now') is also frequently used to mean 'I'll be right back'.
Argentina & Uruguay (Rioplatense)
The pronunciation is the most notable feature. The phrase 'Voy y vengo' is a charmingly literal way to express the idea and is quite common in casual speech. The use of 'vos' instead of 'tú' is standard, but doesn't affect this particular phrase.
💬What Comes Next?
After you say you'll be right back
Claro, aquí te espero.
Of course, I'll wait for you here.
Gracias, no tardo.
Thanks, I won't be long.
In a more formal setting
De acuerdo. / Vale.
Okay. / Alright.
Gracias.
Thank you.
When you return
¿Todo bien?
Everything okay?
Sí, ¡listo! / ¡Ya volví!
Yes, all set! / I'm back!
🧠Memory Tricks
The similar sound between 'Volvo' and 'vuelvo' creates a strong mental link to the idea of a short trip and a quick return.
This sound association, while not perfect, can help you remember the rhythm and sound of 'ahora vuelvo' by linking it to a memorable English phrase.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the verb tense. English uses the future auxiliary 'will' ('I will be back'), while Spanish defaults to the simple present tense ('vuelvo' - 'I return'). This use of the present tense for immediate future actions is a fundamental concept in Spanish that makes speech sound more fluid and natural. Directly translating the English structure results in a phrase that is grammatically okay but socially awkward and stiff.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: While this is the same meaning, learners often see this phrase in movies (like The Terminator) translated as 'Volveré'. This is the formal future tense and is very dramatic. It's not used for everyday situations like grabbing a coffee.
Use instead: For daily use, always prefer 'Ahora vuelvo'. Save 'Volveré' for when you're making a dramatic promise to return someday.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'I'm back'
This is what you say when you return, completing the conversational loop.
How to say 'Excuse me'
It's polite to say 'Con permiso' or 'Perdón' before you get up and leave.
How to say 'Wait a moment'
This is what you might say to the person you're leaving, e.g., 'Espera un momento, ahora vuelvo'.
How to say 'Where are you going?'
This is a common question someone might ask you in response.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: I'll be right back
Question 1 of 3
You are in a business meeting in Colombia and need to step out to take a quick call. What is the most appropriate phrase to use?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'Ahora vuelvo' and 'Ya vuelvo'?
Honestly, there's very little difference in meaning. They are used interchangeably in most places. 'Ya' can add a slight sense of immediacy, like 'I'm *already* on my way back,' but in practice, they both mean 'I'll be right back.' Think of them as perfect synonyms.
Can I say 'Volveré' like in the movies?
You can, but you'll sound very dramatic! 'Volveré' is the formal future tense and is reserved for serious promises or grand statements, like a hero promising to return. For everyday situations, using the present tense like 'Ahora vuelvo' is much more natural.
I'm confused about 'ahorita'. When should I use it?
Use 'ahorita' when you're in Mexico, Central America, or some Caribbean countries in a casual, informal setting. In the phrase 'Ahorita vengo,' it clearly means 'I'll be right back.' Be careful using it in other contexts, as its meaning can be very flexible, ranging from 'immediately' to 'in a little while.'
How do I say 'I'm back' when I return?
The most common and natural way to announce your return is '¡Ya volví!' (I'm back!) or '¡Ya estoy aquí!' (I'm here!). Both work perfectly.
Is 'No tardo' rude or too direct?
Not at all in a casual context! 'No tardo' ('I won't be long') is very friendly and reassuring. It's a warm way to let someone know you're aware they're waiting and you'll be quick. However, it's probably too informal for a very formal business situation.
What's the difference between 'vuelvo', 'regreso', and 'vengo'?
'Vuelvo' (from volver) and 'regreso' (from regresar) both mean 'I return' and are basically interchangeable. 'Vengo' (from venir) means 'I come.' So 'Ahora vengo' literally means 'I'm coming now,' but it's used in some regions like Spain to mean 'I'll be right back,' implying 'I'm coming right back here.'
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