Latin America is known for its ‘flexible’ concepts of time. Punctuality is becoming more commonplace here in the Yucatán Peninsula, but if something starts late or someone arrives late, it’s usually not a problem for locals. Mexico has its own quantifiers when it comes to letting others know when something will happen with the most common being: ahora, ahorita, ahora mismo, and mañana. If you’re not familiar with these words and their actual uses (not what they directly translate to), you could be left very frustrated and confused as you wait and wait. 

We love how language can occasionally represent the culture, and the very fact the word in Spanish for ‘wait’ (esperar) is the exact same word for ‘hope’ (esperar), explains a lot. This fun fact teaches us that while we’re waiting - esperando - in the Latino culture, we’re also hoping - esperando - that whatever we’re waiting for will actually become a reality and if not, well, we hoped!

Here in Mexico, it can be tough to know how to express urgency. You might think you’re being very clear that you would like something ‘now’, but it’s not that simple…

AHORA

Directly translated, ahora, means ‘now’. However, in Mexico, you will need to understand that ahora might mean ‘right now’, or maybe ‘now’ or maybe ‘give me a minute’. It’s never very clear about which one the person you’re speaking to means, so you might need to ask for some clarification.

Sí, señora, ahora la atiendo. 

¿Ahora ahora o en unos minutos?

Yes, ma’am, I’ll be with you … now  ? in a minute  ? in a few minutes  ??

Right now or in a few minutes?

In this conversation, we don’t know if the woman will be able to assist me (like in a store or cafe) right in the moment, or if she’ll help me when she finishes with whatever she’s doing. If we’re in a rush, we could ask the second question: Right now or in a few minutes? This question could annoy the person as it means you’re obviously wanting them to hurry up resulting in them possibly taking more time before they help you. If you’re with Spanish-speaking friends, you can ask the second question for clarification and hopefully they’ll be able to let you know! We suggest you never make the assumption that ahora means ‘right now’. 

Ahorita

Ahorita, literally translated to ‘right now’ and can sometimes mean ‘right now’, but it is not always used this way in Mexico. If not understood, this Mexican twist on the urgency, can cause much confusion even with other Spanish speakers. Ahorita can mean ‘right now’ or ‘in a minute’ or ‘when I’m ready’ or even ‘when I feel like it’. 

¡Vamos! Nos están esperando.

Sí… ahorita voy.

Ayyyy…

Let’s go! They’re waiting for us.

Yes, I know, I’ll be …. right there  ? in a minute  ? when I’m ready…??

Oh my…

It’s fair to assume when someone responds to an urgent request with an ‘ahorita’, they won’t be doing whatever you’ve asked at that moment. All you can do is wait and work on your patience skills.

Ahora mismo

There definitely are times when we need to express urgency, and something needs to be done ‘now’. In these cases in Mexico, you should use the strong expression of ahora mismo which translates to ‘right now’. 

Silvia, arregla tu cuarto ahora mismo. No te lo voy a pedir otra vez.

Sí, mamá, voy.

Silvia, clean up your room right now. I’m not asking you again.

Yes, mommy, coming.

Mañana

In Mexico, if a request is made of someone who really doesn’t want to commit to doing it, a classic response is ‘mañana’ literally meaning ‘tomorrow’. Of course, mañana can be used to mean ‘tomorrow’ but there are definitely cases when people will respond with mañana and whatever you’re asking for will most likely not be done tomorrow. 

Favor de organizarte.

Sí, mañana.

Ya no me digas ‘mañana’, hazlo.

Please get yourself organized.

Ok, … tomorrow  ? Maybe tomorrow  ? Never  ?

Enough - don’t say ‘tomorrow’, do it.

Although these creative uses of the words which one would think would be showing urgency or commitment to a timely action can be frustrating at times, understanding the culture and when to ask for clarification can solve some of the confusion. The Latin American loose attitude of time can be a good test of patience as nothing in life is really guaranteed. If we know that when we’re waiting, we’re actually hoping, the whole ahora/ahorita/mañana outlook can sometimes force us to relax into a different lifestyle.

Is there another Spanish language topic that you are struggling with or would like to read an article about? Let us know at communications@naatikmexico.org. You can find our other Spanish language blogs here. 

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If you would like to take the next step in your language journey, Na’atik offers a unique nonprofit language immersion program, where your Spanish or Maya lessons are enhanced by a homestay experience in the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Sharing meals and spare time with local and Indigenous people makes this a unique opportunity to see authentic Mexico. Online classes are also available. Every visit and online package helps us to provide life-changing educational opportunities to local children.Visit our Immersion page or contact us on mas@naatikmexico.org to find out more.