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How to Say "then" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “then” is “después” — use 'después' to indicate the next event in a simple chronological sequence, like a list of actions..

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después

AdverbA1General
Use 'después' to indicate the next event in a simple chronological sequence, like a list of actions.

Examples

Primero vamos al supermercado y después a casa.

First we go to the supermarket and then home.

luego

/lwe-go//ˈlwe.ɣo/

AdverbA1General
Use 'luego' to connect two sequential actions or events, often implying a direct continuation.
A visual sequence showing a person first putting on socks, and then putting on shoes, to illustrate the concept of 'afterwards' or 'next'.

Examples

Terminé mi trabajo y luego salí a caminar.

I finished my work and then went out for a walk.

Primero vamos a cenar y luego al cine.

First we're going to have dinner and then to the movies.

Termino el trabajo y luego te llamo.

I'll finish work and then I'll call you.

Nos vemos luego.

See you later.

Showing What's Next

'Luego' is a simple way to connect actions in time. It's like a signpost that says, 'Okay, after the first thing is done, this second thing happens.'

Confusing with 'Después'

Mistake: “'Luego' and 'después' are very similar, but 'después' is often followed by 'de' ('después de la clase'). 'Luego' usually stands on its own.”

Correction: Use 'luego' to simply connect two actions in a sentence ('Como y luego duermo'). Use 'después de' to say 'after something' ('Duermo después de comer').

entonces

/en-TON-ses//enˈton.ses/

AdverbA2General
Use 'entonces' to refer to a specific past time or as a connector meaning 'so' or 'in that case' to introduce a consequence.
A person looking at an old black-and-white photo of themselves as a child, pointing to it.

Examples

Era una noche fría. Entonces, decidimos quedarnos en casa.

It was a cold night. Then, we decided to stay home.

Vivíamos en México en 2010. Entonces, la vida era más simple.

We lived in Mexico in 2010. Then, life was simpler.

Primero terminas tu tarea y solo entonces puedes salir a jugar.

First you finish your homework and only then can you go out to play.

Está lloviendo, entonces no vamos al parque.

It's raining, so we're not going to the park.

Pointing to a Specific Time

Use 'entonces' to refer to a specific moment in the past or future that you've already mentioned. It's like saying 'at that point in time'.

Connecting Cause and Effect

Use this 'entonces' to link a reason or situation to what happens because of it. It answers the question '...so what?'

Not always the same as 'luego'

Mistake: “'Comí, luego salí.' (Sequence)”

Correction: 'Luego' often means 'after that' in a sequence of events. 'Entonces' is better for a logical result: 'Tenía hambre, entonces comí.' (I was hungry, *so* I ate). They can sometimes overlap, but thinking of 'entonces' as 'so' helps avoid confusion.

ahí

AdverbB2General
Use 'ahí' to pinpoint a specific moment in time when something happened, often emphasizing the exact point of realization or action.

Examples

Estaba leyendo un libro, ahí me quedé dormido.

I was reading a book, then I fell asleep.

continuación

Noun (in fixed phrase)B1Formal/General
Use 'a continuación' in a fixed phrase to introduce the very next item or speaker in a formal or structured sequence.

Examples

El presentador dirá unas palabras y a continuación, la orquesta tocará.

The host will say a few words and then, the orchestra will play.

Confusing Sequence Words

Learners often confuse 'después' and 'luego' as they both indicate sequence. While similar, 'después' is more general for 'after,' whereas 'luego' can imply a more immediate or direct continuation. 'Entonces' is different as it often refers to a specific past time or means 'so/therefore'.

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