Inklingo

How to Say "early morning" in Spanish

English → Spanish

madrugada

mah-droo-GAH-dahmaðɾuˈɣaða

nounA2
Use 'madrugada' to refer to the time between midnight and sunrise, often implying a quiet or late-night/early-morning period.
A peaceful landscape at dawn with a dark blue sky transitioning to soft orange light on the horizon over a quiet house.

Examples

El sol aún no ha salido, todavía es madrugada.

The sun hasn't risen yet, it's still the early morning (before dawn).

Me gusta estudiar de madrugada porque todo está en silencio.

I like to study in the early morning because everything is silent.

El tren sale a las tres de la madrugada.

The train leaves at three in the morning.

Trabajamos hasta la madrugada para terminar el proyecto.

We worked until the wee hours to finish the project.

Using 'de' with Madrugada

When you want to say 'in the early morning,' use the phrase 'de madrugada' rather than 'en la madrugada.'

Feminine Noun

This word is feminine, so always use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la madrugada').

Madrugada vs. Mañana

Mistake: “Using 'mañana' for 3:00 AM.”

Correction: Use 'madrugada' for the hours between midnight and sunrise. 'Mañana' is usually for the time between sunrise and lunch.

matutino

mah-too-TEE-nohmatuˈtino

adjectiveB1formal/literary
Use 'matutino' for more formal or literary descriptions related to the morning, often referring to the general period after sunrise.
A bright yellow sun rising over green hills with dew on the grass.

Examples

Disfrutamos de un paseo matutino por el parque.

We enjoyed a morning stroll through the park.

Me encanta respirar el aire matutino.

I love breathing the morning air.

Ella tiene una rutina matutina muy estricta.

She has a very strict morning routine.

El turno matutino comienza a las ocho.

The morning shift starts at eight.

Matching Gender

This word must change to 'matutina' if the thing you are describing is feminine, like 'la brisa matutina' (the morning breeze).

Positioning

Usually, this word comes after the noun it describes, such as 'ejercicio matutino' (morning exercise).

Confusing with 'Tomorrow'

Mistake: “Using matutino to mean 'happening tomorrow'.”

Correction: Use 'de mañana' for tomorrow. Matutino only refers to the morning time of day.

Madrugada vs. Matutino

Learners often confuse 'madrugada' and 'matutino' by using the adjective 'matutino' when they mean the specific, pre-dawn hours. Remember 'madrugada' is a noun for that very early time, while 'matutino' is an adjective describing something generally of the morning.

Related Translations

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