a tiempo

es
en
Change language
Translating...
in time, on time
Find language
Deutsch
German
Español
Spanish
Français
French
Italiano
Italian
Português
Portuguese
/a ˈtjempo/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
Early enough for a scheduled event or to prevent a missed opportunity.
Practice using a tiempo in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Por suerte, detuvieron el error a tiempo.
    Luckily, they caught the mistake in time.
  • El médico llegó a tiempo para ayudarlo.
    The doctor arrived in time to help him.
  • Sal temprano para estar allí a tiempo.
    Leave early so you get there on time.
  • Envía el formulario a tiempo.
    Send the form on time.
  • Llegamos a tiempo para el tren.
    We arrived in time for the train.

Similar words

oportunamente
puntualmente

Meanings

In time

time
neutral
Before the relevant deadline or the moment when action would be too late.

Examples

  • Llegamos a tiempo para el tren.
    We arrived in time for the train.
  • Envía el formulario a tiempo.
    Send the form on time.
  • El médico llegó a tiempo para ayudarlo.
    The doctor arrived in time to help him.
  • Sal temprano para estar allí a tiempo.
    Leave early so you get there on time.
  • Por suerte, detuvieron el error a tiempo.
    Luckily, they caught the mistake in time.

Similar words

oportunamente
puntualmente

Etymology

Fixed adverbial expression with tiempo, “time”.

FAQ

What does a tiempo mean?

“In time” or “on time”.

Can it describe arriving for a train?

Yes, arriving before the train leaves.

Can it describe preventing a problem?

Yes, acting before it is too late.

What is the opposite?

A destiempo means at the wrong time.

Is it a fixed phrase?

Yes, it functions as an adverbial expression.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...