How to Say "up to" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “up to” is “hasta” — use 'hasta' when referring to a limit in time, quantity, or place, similar to 'until' or 'up to'..
hasta
/AS-ta//ˈasta/
Examples
El concierto dura hasta medianoche.
The concert lasts until midnight.
La biblioteca está abierta hasta las ocho.
The library is open until eight o'clock.
Caminamos hasta la playa.
We walked as far as the beach.
El ascensor sube hasta el décimo piso.
The elevator goes up to the tenth floor.
Marking the Endpoint
Use 'hasta' to talk about the final limit of something. It can be the end of a period of time, a destination, or the highest number in a range.
Connecting Actions with 'Hasta que'
When you want to say you'll do something until another action happens, you usually add 'que'. For example, 'Espera aquí hasta que yo vuelva' (Wait here until I come back).
Mixing up 'hasta' and 'a'
Mistake: “Voy a la playa.”
Correction: Voy hasta la playa. Both can be correct, but they mean slightly different things. 'Voy a la playa' means 'I'm going to the beach.' 'Voy hasta la playa' emphasizes the journey or distance, meaning 'I'm going *as far as* the beach'.
tramando
/tra-MAHN-doh//tɾaˈmando/
Examples
El gato está tramando algo, no lo dejes solo con la comida.
The cat is up to something, don't leave it alone with the food.
Sé que estás tramando algo.
I know you are up to something.
Los villanos están tramando un plan para escapar.
The villains are plotting a plan to escape.
Algo se está tramando en la oficina.
Something is brewing in the office.
The '-ando' ending
In Spanish, adding '-ando' to a verb root is like adding '-ing' in English. It describes an action that is happening right now, usually paired with the verb 'estar' (to be).
Planning vs. Plotting
Mistake: “Using 'tramando' for simple plans like a grocery list.”
Correction: Use 'planeando' for normal plans. Use 'tramando' for things that are secret, clever, or slightly mischievous.
Distinguishing 'hasta' from 'tramando'
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