What does ahorita mean?

Ahorita means "now", made softer: depending on the situation, "right now", "in a minute" or "later". CiaoSpeak's Unit 9 teaches it as "right now; also 'in a little while' (in Mexico)".

  • ahoritaUnit 9

    right now; also "in a little while" (in Mexico)

  • Ahorita vengo.Unit 9

    I'll be right back.

    "I'll be right back." It could be two minutes, or twenty.

How do Mexicans use ahorita?

Mexicans use ahorita to promise something soon, politely: a vendor ahorita le cobro ("I'll ring you up in a sec"), a receptionist ahorita le doy su llave, a coworker ahorita te la regreso. You hear it from the people in CiaoSpeak's Speak scenes:

  • Va, ahorita.Speak

    OK, coming right up.

    Don Chuy at the taco stand, when you order one more.

  • Sale, ahorita le cobro.Speak

    OK, I'll ring you up.

    Don Chuy again, when you're ready to pay.

  • Ahorita le doy su llave. ¿Le puedo ayudar en algo más?Speak

    I'll give you your key in a moment. Can I help you with anything else?

    Arturo at the hotel front desk.

  • ¡Gracias! Ahorita te la regreso.Speak

    Thanks! I'll give it back in a minute.

    Diego, your coworker, borrowing your pen.

  • Claro, ahorita se lo mando.Speak

    Sure, I'll send it to you right now.

    Paola, on the phone, sending you something.

What does ahorita no mean?

Ahorita no means "not right now", and it's the polite Mexican way to say no without a flat no: to a street vendor, an invitation, or a coworker who needs your help. To a vendor, add gracias.

  • Ahorita no, gracias.

    Not right now, thanks.

  • Ahorita no, estoy ocupado.

    Not right now, I'm busy. (A woman says ocupada.)

How do you know if ahorita means now or later?

You can't always tell, and Mexicans joke about it too. If you need a time, ask: ¿Como a qué hora? ("Around what time?"). As a rule of thumb, from someone serving you it means soon; about a favor or a chore, it can mean later.

  • ¿Como a qué hora?

    Around what time?

How can you practice Mexican Spanish out loud?

Practice it in short, real exchanges, out loud. CiaoSpeak's Spanish course is set in Mexico City: the lessons teach everyday words like ahorita with a recording and a note on when to use them, and in the Speak tab a taco vendor, a taxi driver or your language-exchange partner Ana asks you one question at a time. You answer by voice (or typing), and the app tells you whether a person would understand you. Lessons are free; in the Speak tab, today's questions (up to five a day) are free too, and CiaoSpeak+ adds practice in any scene whenever you like. More words like this one: the Mexican slang list.

Frequently asked questions

Is ahorita rude?

No. Ahorita is polite, everyday Spanish in Mexico, used with customers, bosses and friends alike. It sounds softer than ahora.

What is the difference between ahora and ahorita?

Both mean "now", but ahorita is softer and more flexible: in Mexico it can also mean "in a moment" or "later", while ahora is just "now". Ahora mismo means "right this second".

Do other countries use ahorita?

Yes, people say ahorita in many Latin American countries, but the stretchy "maybe later" meaning is best known in Mexico.