How to Say "split second" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “split second” is “fracción” — use 'fracción' when you want to emphasize the incredibly small, divisible nature of the time period, literally a 'fraction of a second'.
Use 'fracción' when you want to emphasize the incredibly small, divisible nature of the time period, literally a 'fraction of a second'.
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Use 'instante' when you want to convey a very brief, almost immediate moment, often used to emphasize how quickly something happens or can be done.
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Examples
Todo ocurrió en una fracción de segundo.
Everything happened in a split second.
een-STAHN-tehinˈstante
Examples
Espera un instante, necesito encontrar mis llaves.
Wait an instant, I need to find my keys.
En ese instante, el mundo se detuvo para ella.
In that moment, the world stopped for her.
La tormenta pasó en solo unos instantes.
The storm passed in just a few moments.
Masculine Noun
Remember that 'instante' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'un' or 'el' before it, never 'una' or 'la'.
Using the wrong preposition
Mistake: “Llegó a instante.”
Correction: Llegó en el instante (He arrived at the moment) or Llegó al instante (He arrived instantly). The most common preposition is 'en' or 'a la' for the common phrase 'al instante'.
Choosing Between 'Fracción' and 'Instante'
Learners often confuse 'fracción' and 'instante' because both mean a short time. Remember that 'fracción' literally means 'fraction' of a second, highlighting its smallness. 'Instante' is more general for 'instant' and often implies immediate action or very quickness.
Related Translations
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