Right now
in SpanishAhora mismo
/ah-OH-rah MEES-moh/
This is the most standard, unambiguous way to say 'right this second.' It works in every Spanish-speaking country and emphasizes that you mean the exact current moment, not five minutes from now.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Ahorita
/ah-oh-REE-tah/
The diminutive of 'ahora'. In theory, it means 'right now,' but culturally it is famous for being vague. It can mean 'in a second,' 'in a few hours,' or even 'never,' depending on the context and tone.
Ya
/YAH/
Short, punchy, and urgent. It translates to 'already' or 'now.' When used as a command, it means 'Immediately!'
En este momento
/ehn EHS-teh moh-MEN-toh/
A literal translation of 'at this moment.' It sounds more polite and professional.
En seguida
/ehn seh-GHEE-dah/
Means 'right away' or 'immediately following.' It implies action will be taken instantly.
Al tiro
/ahl TEE-roh/
A very common Chilean slang term derived from shooting a gun ('at the shot'). It means 'immediately.'
De inmediato
/deh een-meh-dee-AH-toh/
Means 'immediately.' It is slightly more formal and authoritative.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Spanish has several 'nows' with different levels of urgency and formality.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahora mismo | Neutral | Clarity and standard usage anywhere | You want to be vague |
| Ahorita | Casual | Softening a request or delaying casually | You have a strict deadline (in Mexico) |
| Ya | Neutral | Urgent commands or immediate action | You want to sound very polite/soft |
| En este momento | Formal | Professional settings or phone calls | Talking to close friends (sounds stiff) |
📈Difficulty Level
Very standard Spanish sounds. No difficult rolled R's are strictly necessary for basic comprehension.
These are mostly fixed adverbs or short phrases. No complex conjugation required.
The concept of time varies wildly by region. 'Right now' is subjective in Latin America.
Key Challenges:
- Understanding the regional flexibility of 'ahorita'
- Not confusing 'actualmente' with 'actually' or 'now'
💡Examples in Action
Tengo que salir ahora mismo.
I have to leave right now.
¡Hazlo ya!
Do it right now!
Lo siento, no puedo hablar en este momento.
I'm sorry, I can't talk right now (at this moment).
Ahorita te llamo.
I'll call you right back (in a little bit).
Le traigo su cuenta en seguida.
I'll bring your check right away.
🌍Cultural Context
The 'Ahorita' Paradox
In many parts of Latin America, especially Mexico, the word 'ahorita' (little now) is famous for its flexibility. While it literally means 'right now,' it is culturally understood to mean anything from 'in 5 minutes' to 'tomorrow' or even 'never.' If someone says they will do something 'ahorita,' don't hold your breath!
Polychronic Time
Spanish-speaking cultures often view time as 'polychronic,' meaning relationships and the current moment often take precedence over strict schedules. Saying 'right now' might not carry the same military precision it does in English-speaking cultures.
The Urgency of 'Ya'
While 'ahora' is the standard word for now, 'ya' carries an emotional weight of urgency. If a mother tells her child '¡Ya!' it is a final warning. It cuts through the ambiguity of other time expressions.
❌ Common Pitfalls
The 'Actualmente' Trap
Mistake: "Using 'actualmente' to say 'actually' or 'right now'."
Correction: Ahora mismo / En este momento
Overusing 'Ahorita' for Urgency
Mistake: "Using 'ahorita' when you need something done instantly in Latin America."
Correction: Ahora mismo / Ya
💡Pro Tips
Adding Emphasis
If you want to emphasize that you mean THIS very second, you can say 'ahora mismito' (a cute, emphatic version of 'ahora mismo') in some Caribbean and Latin American dialects.
Context is King
To sound natural, match the phrase to the action. Use 'en seguida' if you are performing a service or favor, and 'en este momento' if you are stating a fact about your current status.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
Mexico is the capital of 'Ahorita.' It is a cultural institution. 'Ahorita' usually implies a delay, whereas 'ahorita mismo' or 'ya' implies actual immediacy.
Spain
Spaniards are generally more literal with time words than Latin Americans. 'Ahora mismo' means now. 'En seguida' is very common in service.
Chile
Chileans love 'al tiro'. It comes from the phrase 'al tiro de cañón' (at the cannon shot). It is the most common way to say 'right away' in casual speech.
Caribbean (Puerto Rico/Dominican Republic/Cuba)
'Ya mismo' is very popular here. It can mean 'right now' or 'very soon.' e.g., 'Ya mismo llego' (I'm arriving soon).
📱Texting & Social Media
Ahorita
WhatsApp / Texting
Llego ahorita
I'm arriving soon/in a bit
Ya
Texting
Ya voy
I'm coming right now
💬What Comes Next?
You ask someone to do something right now
Ya voy
I'm coming / I'm going (to do it)
Gracias, date prisa
Thanks, hurry up
Someone says they can't talk 'en este momento'
No puedo hablar en este momento
I can't talk right now
Está bien, te llamo luego
Okay, I'll call you later
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of 'Mismo' as 'Same'. So 'Ahora Mismo' is like saying 'The Same Now'—emphasizing that it is THIS specific time, not a different one.
Think of a karate chop sound: 'Hi-YA!' It's fast, sharp, and immediate. That's exactly how the word 'Ya' works for 'Right now!'
🔄How It Differs from English
English speakers tend to view time linearly and strictly. 'Right now' usually means 0-60 seconds. In Spanish, especially in Latin America, time is more relational. The words for 'now' often serve to soften a refusal or promise future action rather than indicate a timestamp.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: Learners often try to use 'actualmente' for 'actually' or 'now'.
Use instead: 'Actualmente' means 'currently/these days'. Use 'en realidad' for 'actually' and 'ahora' for 'now'.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say later
It's the natural opposite of right now and essential for making plans.
How to tell time
Once you know 'now', you need to be able to say specific times.
How to say hurry up
Often used together with 'right now' to create urgency.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Right now
Question 1 of 3
You are in a job interview and need to say you are currently working on a big project. Which phrase is best?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'ahora' and 'ahora mismo'?
'Ahora' is general (now). 'Ahora mismo' is specific and emphatic (right now). If you want to avoid ambiguity, use 'ahora mismo'.
Is 'actualmente' the same as 'right now'?
No! This is a common mistake. 'Actualmente' means 'currently' or 'these days' (e.g., 'Currently, I live in London'). It does not refer to the immediate moment.
Can I use 'al tiro' in Spain?
You can, but people might be confused. 'Al tiro' is specific to Chilean slang. In Spain, use 'ahora mismo' or 'en seguida'.
Does 'ahorita' always mean later?
Not always. Context is key. If someone is running toward you saying '¡ahorita voy!', they are coming now. If they are on the couch watching TV saying it, it means later.
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