Inklingo

How to Say "split second" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fracción

nounB1time
Use 'fracción' when you want to emphasize the incredibly small, divisible nature of the time period, literally a 'fraction of a second'.

Examples

Todo ocurrió en una fracción de segundo.

Everything happened in a split second.

instante

een-STAHN-teh/inˈstante/

nounA1emphasizing speed
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.
A sudden, brilliant golden starburst flash illuminates a dark scene, symbolizing a brief moment in time.

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

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.