Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 Sustantivo masculino (plural) #42 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

tiempos

Top 42

At the A1 level, you will mostly encounter 'tiempos' in very simple contexts, often related to the plural of 'tiempo' (time). You might learn it in the context of 'buenos tiempos' (good times) or 'malos tiempos' (bad times) to describe how life is going. You will also see it when you start learning about 'tiempos verbales' (verb tenses), although at this stage, you are only focusing on the present tense. It is important to understand that 'tiempos' is masculine and plural, so it goes with 'los' or 'unos'. You should avoid using it to say 'three times' (tres veces), which is a common beginner mistake. Instead, focus on using it to talk about general periods, like 'en estos tiempos' (in these times). You might also hear it in sports if you watch a soccer match, where 'primer tiempo' means the first half. Even at this basic level, recognizing 'tiempos' as a way to divide time into parts is very helpful for your progress.

At the A2 level, your understanding of 'tiempos' expands as you begin to study more grammar. You will learn about the 'tiempos del pasado' (past tenses), such as the 'pretérito indefinido' and the 'pretérito imperfecto'. The word 'tiempos' becomes a technical term you use to talk about your learning process. You will also start to use it in more descriptive sentences about history or your own life, such as 'en tiempos de mi infancia' (in the times of my childhood). You will learn phrases like 'a veces' (sometimes) and should be careful not to confuse them with 'tiempos'. At this level, you might also encounter 'tiempos' in the context of travel and schedules, such as 'tiempos de viaje' (travel times). You are becoming more aware that 'tiempos' refers to durations and eras rather than just the abstract concept of time. You can now use adjectives to describe these times, like 'tiempos difíciles' (difficult times) or 'tiempos modernos' (modern times).

At the B1 level, 'tiempos' becomes a very versatile tool in your vocabulary. You are now expected to use it in a variety of contexts, including idiomatic expressions and more complex grammatical discussions. You will study the 'tiempos del subjuntivo' (subjunctive tenses), and you'll need to understand how these 'tiempos' relate to each other in a sentence. You will also use 'tiempos' to discuss social and historical changes, using phrases like 'con el paso de los tiempos' (with the passage of time) or 'adaptarse a los nuevos tiempos' (adapting to new times). In professional or academic settings, you will use it to talk about 'tiempos de entrega' (delivery times) or 'tiempos de respuesta' (response times). You are also likely to encounter regional variations, such as the Latin American 'a los tiempos' (long time no see). Your ability to distinguish between 'tiempos', 'épocas', and 'veces' should be much stronger now, allowing you to express yourself with more precision and nuance.

At the B2 level, you use 'tiempos' with a high degree of fluency and accuracy. You understand its metaphorical and literary uses, such as in the famous saying 'Cualquier tiempo pasado fue mejor'. You can participate in debates about 'los tiempos que corren' (the current times) and use the word to describe complex social phenomena. In technical or specialized fields, you use 'tiempos' correctly—for example, in mechanics (motor de cuatro tiempos) or in music (los tiempos del compás). You are comfortable with the nuances of 'manejar los tiempos' (managing the timing) in a strategic sense, whether in politics, business, or sports. Your grammatical knowledge is advanced enough that you can discuss the 'correlación de tiempos' (sequence of tenses) without hesitation. You also recognize the word in more obscure idioms and can use it to add a poetic or nostalgic touch to your writing and speaking. At this level, 'tiempos' is no longer just a word for 'times'; it is a concept you manipulate to show your mastery of the language.

At the C1 level, your use of 'tiempos' is sophisticated and deeply integrated into your linguistic repertoire. You can appreciate the philosophical implications of the word in literature, such as in the works of Proust or García Márquez, where 'tiempos' might represent circular or fragmented reality. You use the word in highly formal contexts, such as academic papers or legal documents, where 'tiempos' might refer to 'plazos' (deadlines) or 'periodos de vigencia'. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'tiempos' and its synonyms in every possible context, and you choose the most appropriate one to convey a specific tone. You can use 'tiempos' to discuss abstract concepts like 'los tiempos de la justicia' (the timing of justice) or 'los tiempos narrativos' in a film or novel. Your speech is natural, and you use idiomatic expressions involving 'tiempos' effortlessly. You are also capable of understanding and using archaic or dialectal forms of the word if necessary, showing a deep cultural and historical understanding of the Spanish language.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native or native-like command of 'tiempos'. You can use the word to express the finest nuances of meaning, often employing it in creative, ironic, or highly specialized ways. You might use 'tiempos' in a meta-linguistic discussion about the evolution of the Spanish language itself. You are fully aware of the etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. In your own writing, you might play with the word's multiple meanings to create puns or double entendres. You can navigate the most complex 'correlaciones de tiempos' in the most intricate sentence structures without a single error. Whether you are analyzing a classical poem, a modern scientific report, or a fast-paced sports commentary, you understand every implication of the word 'tiempos'. It is a fundamental part of your linguistic identity in Spanish, used with absolute precision, cultural awareness, and stylistic flair. You are not just using the word; you are mastering the concept of time as it is uniquely expressed in the Spanish-speaking world.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

tiempos en 30 secondes

Tiempos is the plural of 'tiempo', used for eras, verb tenses, and timing in sports or music.
It is a masculine plural noun (los tiempos) and is essential for discussing history and grammar.
Common phrases include 'en tiempos de' (in the times of) and 'tiempos verbales' (verb tenses).
Do not use it for 'how many times' (use 'veces') or for multiplication (use 'por').

The Spanish word tiempos is the plural form of 'tiempo'. While the singular form is often used to discuss the abstract concept of time or the weather, the plural 'tiempos' takes on specific, multifaceted roles in Spanish communication. It primarily refers to historical eras, grammatical tenses, or specific segments of duration in sports and music. Understanding 'tiempos' requires a shift from seeing time as a continuous flow to seeing it as a collection of distinct periods or categories. In a historical context, it evokes the atmosphere of a past age, such as 'tiempos remotos' (remote times) or 'tiempos de guerra' (times of war). In the classroom, it is the fundamental term for 'verb tenses' (tiempos verbales), which every student of Spanish must master to navigate the past, present, and future.

Historical Context: Refers to specific eras or epochs characterized by certain events or social conditions. For example, 'en tiempos de los romanos' (in the times of the Romans).
Grammar and Linguistics: Used to categorize the different forms a verb takes to indicate when an action happens. 'Los tiempos del subjuntivo' refers to the various subjunctive tenses.
Sports and Mechanics: In sports like soccer, it refers to the 'halves' of a match (primer tiempo, segundo tiempo). In mechanics, it refers to the cycles of an engine (motor de cuatro tiempos).

Eran otros tiempos y la gente pensaba de manera muy diferente a la de ahora.

Furthermore, 'tiempos' is used to describe the pace or rhythm of an activity. In music, it refers to the beats or the tempo of a piece. In daily life, we often talk about 'tiempos de espera' (waiting times) at a doctor's office or 'tiempos de entrega' (delivery times) for an online purchase. The word is deeply embedded in how Spanish speakers organize their reality into manageable segments. It is not just about the clock; it is about the quality and the division of that duration. When someone says 'corren malos tiempos', they are not talking about a fast clock, but rather a difficult social or economic period. This metaphorical use is extremely common in literature and news reporting, where 'tiempos' serves as a synonym for 'circumstances' or 'the current climate'.

Debemos adaptarnos a los nuevos tiempos tecnológicos para no quedarnos atrás.

In technical fields, 'tiempos' is indispensable. Engineers measure 'tiempos de respuesta' (response times) in software, and logistics experts optimize 'tiempos de tránsito'. Even in culinary arts, 'tiempos de cocción' (cooking times) are vital for a perfect recipe. The pluralization allows for the comparison of different durations or the recognition of multiple stages in a process. For instance, a marathon runner might analyze their 'tiempos parciales' (split times) to see where they slowed down. This versatility makes 'tiempos' one of the most hardworking nouns in the Spanish language, bridging the gap between the abstract philosophy of time and the concrete measurements of the physical world.

El director de la orquesta marcó los tiempos con una precisión asombrosa.

Metaphorical Usage: Used to describe the 'vibe' or 'spirit' of an age. 'Tiempos de cambio' (times of change) suggests a period of transition.

En tiempos de crisis, la solidaridad es fundamental para la supervivencia.

Finally, the word appears in many fixed expressions that every B1 learner should know. 'A los tiempos' is a common phrase in some Latin American countries (like Ecuador or Peru) used when greeting someone you haven't seen in a long while, equivalent to 'It's been ages!'. This demonstrates how 'tiempos' can even function as an exclamation of surprise or nostalgia. Whether you are analyzing a poem from the 'Siglo de Oro' or checking the 'tiempos de llegada' at an airport, 'tiempos' provides the necessary structure to talk about the segments of our existence.

¡A los tiempos que te veo! ¿Cómo ha estado tu familia todo este año?

Using 'tiempos' correctly involves recognizing which of its many meanings you intend to convey. Because it is a plural masculine noun, it must always be accompanied by masculine plural articles (los, unos) or adjectives (buenos, malos, remotos). One of the most common sentence structures involves the preposition 'en' to set a scene in the past. For example, 'En tiempos de mis abuelos, no había internet' (In my grandparents' time, there was no internet). Here, 'tiempos' acts as a container for a specific historical or personal era. It is more evocative than simply saying 'cuando mis abuelos eran jóvenes'.

Grammatical Precision: When discussing grammar, 'tiempos' is usually followed by the adjective 'verbales'. '¿Cuáles son los tiempos verbales más difíciles para ti?' (Which are the most difficult verb tenses for you?).

El profesor explicó los tiempos compuestos del modo indicativo en la clase de hoy.

In sports contexts, 'tiempos' is used to divide the game. You will hear commentators say, 'Estamos en el segundo tiempo' (We are in the second half). Note that while it refers to a single half, the concept of the game having 'tiempos' is universal. In a broader sense, 'tiempos' can also refer to the duration of tasks. 'Los tiempos de ejecución de este proyecto son muy ajustados' (The execution times for this project are very tight). Here, the plural suggests that the project is made of many different stages, each with its own duration.

El corredor mejoró sus tiempos en la última vuelta de la competencia.

Another sophisticated use of 'tiempos' is in the phrase 'dar tiempo al tiempo'. While 'tiempo' is singular here, the plural 'tiempos' is often used in the related concept of 'manejar los tiempos' (managing the timing). A politician or a CEO might 'manejar los tiempos de la negociación' to ensure they have the upper hand. This implies a strategic control over when things happen. In music, 'tiempos' is used to describe the meter. 'Un vals tiene tres tiempos' (A waltz has three beats/times). This technical usage is essential for anyone studying music theory in Spanish.

Es importante saber manejar los tiempos durante una presentación pública para no aburrir.

Comparison of Eras: Using 'tiempos' with adjectives like 'pasados', 'presentes', or 'futuros' helps compare different stages of history or life.

Cualquier tiempo pasado fue mejor, o al menos eso dice el famoso refrán.

Finally, consider the use of 'tiempos' in the context of weather, though this is less common than the singular. In some regions, you might hear 'hace buenos tiempos' to mean the weather has been consistently good for a while, though 'hace buen tiempo' is the standard. In literature, 'tiempos' often takes on a poetic quality, representing the fleeting nature of life. 'Los tiempos de la juventud' (the times of youth) sounds more nostalgic and expansive than 'la juventud'. By using the plural, the speaker acknowledges that youth is not just one moment, but a collection of many varied experiences and days.

Recordamos con alegría los tiempos en que viajábamos por todo el mundo sin preocupaciones.

You will encounter 'tiempos' in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the highly formal to the casual. In a Spanish-speaking classroom, it is perhaps the word used most frequently by teachers. 'Abran sus libros en la página de los tiempos verbales' (Open your books to the verb tenses page) is a classic instruction. Students hear it daily as they navigate the complexities of the 'pretérito' and the 'imperfecto'. Beyond the classroom, the word is a staple of news broadcasts. Journalists often use 'estos tiempos' to refer to the current political or economic climate, as in 'En estos tiempos de incertidumbre...' (In these times of uncertainty...).

Sports Broadcasting: Commentators use it to mark the progression of a game. 'Final del primer tiempo' (End of the first half) is heard in every soccer match.

El equipo local dominó durante los dos tiempos del partido de ayer.

In the business world, 'tiempos' is heard during project management meetings and logistics discussions. You will hear phrases like 'tiempos de entrega' (delivery times) and 'tiempos de producción' (production times). If a shipment is late, a manager might say, 'Tenemos que mejorar los tiempos de respuesta a nuestros clientes'. This usage is very practical and focuses on efficiency and measurement. Similarly, in the tech industry, developers talk about 'tiempos de carga' (loading times) for websites and applications, where every millisecond counts.

Los tiempos de espera en la aplicación han disminuido gracias a la nueva actualización.

Culturally, 'tiempos' is a key word in music and dance. In a salsa or flamenco class, the instructor will count the 'tiempos' to help students stay on beat. '¡Uno, dos, tres... cinco, seis, siete!'—these are the 'tiempos' of the rhythm. Without understanding the 'tiempos', a dancer cannot synchronize with the music. You will also hear it in historical documentaries or museums, where narrators describe 'los tiempos de la colonia' (colonial times) or 'tiempos precolombinos'. It provides a framework for understanding the vast history of the Spanish-speaking world.

La bailarina seguía los tiempos de la música con una elegancia natural.

Daily Conversations: People use it to reminisce. 'En mis tiempos, los jóvenes respetaban más a los mayores' is a common (if stereotypical) phrase heard from older generations.

En aquellos tiempos, no necesitábamos llaves para dejar la puerta de casa abierta.

Finally, in the kitchen, 'tiempos' is a word of precision. Professional chefs and home cooks alike discuss 'tiempos de reposo' (resting times) for meat or 'tiempos de fermentación' for bread. If you are watching a Spanish cooking show like 'MasterChef España', you will hear the judges constantly pressuring contestants about their 'tiempos'. It is a word that signifies control, discipline, and the successful completion of a process. From the abstract 'spirit of the times' to the concrete 'boiling time' of an egg, 'tiempos' is everywhere.

Respeta los tiempos de cocción si quieres que el arroz quede en su punto.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with 'tiempos' is using it to mean 'how many times' an event occurs. In English, we say 'I have been to Spain three times'. A direct translation might lead a learner to say 'He estado en España tres tiempos', which is incorrect. In Spanish, you must use the word veces for frequency. 'He estado en España tres veces'. Using 'tiempos' in this context sounds very strange to a native speaker and is a clear indicator of a literal translation from English.

Times vs. Veces: English: 3 times = Spanish: 3 veces. English: Historical times = Spanish: Tiempos históricos.

Incorrecto: Fui al gimnasio cinco tiempos esta semana. Correcto: Fui al gimnasio cinco veces.

Another common mistake involves the weather. While 'tiempo' (singular) is the standard word for weather ('¿Qué tiempo hace?'), some learners mistakenly pluralize it when the weather is bad over several days, saying 'hacen malos tiempos'. While not entirely incomprehensible, it is non-standard. Stick to 'hace mal tiempo' or 'el clima está mal'. Additionally, learners often confuse 'tiempos' with 'épocas'. While they are often interchangeable, 'época' usually refers to a longer, more defined historical period (like 'la época victoriana'), whereas 'tiempos' can be more vague or personal ('en mis tiempos').

No confundas: tiempos verbales (grammar) con veces (repetition).

Confusion also arises in sports terminology. In English, we might say 'the first half' or 'the first period'. In Spanish, while 'periodo' is used in sports like hockey or basketball, 'tiempo' is the exclusive term for soccer. Calling a soccer half a 'mitad' or a 'parte' is common among learners, but 'primer tiempo' is the correct technical term. Furthermore, 'tiempos muertos' (timeouts) is a plural phrase even if you are only calling one timeout. A coach might say 'Pide un tiempo muerto', but the concept is part of the 'tiempos' of the game.

El entrenador pidió uno de sus tiempos muertos para reorganizar la defensa.

Pluralization Errors: Sometimes learners use 'tiempos' when they should use 'tiempo' (singular) for abstract time. 'No tengo tiempos' is wrong; it should be 'No tengo tiempo' (I don't have time).

Incorrecto: Me gustan los tiempos de verano. Correcto: Me gusta el tiempo de verano (o el clima de verano).

Lastly, be careful with the phrase 'a los tiempos'. While common in some Latin American regions to mean 'long time no see', it is not used this way in Spain. In Spain, you would say '¡Cuánto tiempo!' or '¡Hace mucho que no nos vemos!'. Using 'a los tiempos' in Madrid might result in a confused look, as they will expect you to finish the sentence with something like 'a los tiempos de la Inquisición'. Understanding these regional nuances prevents social awkwardness and helps you sound more like a local wherever you are.

Regionalismo: '¡A los tiempos!' es común en Ecuador, pero raro en España.

To expand your Spanish vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to 'tiempos' but carry slightly different shades of meaning. The most direct synonym for 'tiempos' when referring to historical periods is épocas. While 'tiempos' is broad, 'época' often implies a more distinct, significant, or formalized period. For example, 'la época de oro' (the golden age) sounds more prestigious than 'los tiempos de oro'. Another alternative is eras, which is used for even longer, geological or transformative periods, such as 'la era glacial' (the ice age).

Tiempos vs. Épocas: 'Tiempos' is more colloquial and flexible. 'Épocas' is more formal and often used in academic or historical writing.
Tiempos vs. Momentos: 'Momentos' refers to very short, specific points in time. 'Tiempos' refers to longer durations or general periods.

Pasamos muy buenos momentos juntos, pero ahora corren tiempos difíciles.

In the context of duration or timing, you might use plazos. While 'tiempos' refers to the time taken, 'plazos' refers to deadlines or scheduled periods. 'Los plazos de entrega' (delivery deadlines) is more specific than 'los tiempos de entrega' (delivery times). If you are talking about the 'rhythm' of something, ritmo or compás (in music) are excellent alternatives. A drummer doesn't just keep the 'tiempos'; they keep the 'compás'. In a work setting, you might talk about the 'ritmo de trabajo' rather than the 'tiempos de trabajo' to emphasize the speed and intensity.

Debemos cumplir con los plazos establecidos para no pagar multas por retraso.

For the concept of 'times' as in occurrences, as mentioned before, veces is the only correct choice. Another related word is etapas (stages). If a process has different 'tiempos', it also has different 'etapas'. 'Las etapas del desarrollo infantil' (the stages of child development) describes the progression through time. Finally, temporadas is used for seasons, both climatic and for television shows. 'La nueva temporada de la serie' is much better than saying 'los nuevos tiempos de la serie'.

Esta temporada de fútbol ha sido una de las más emocionantes de los últimos tiempos.

Technical Alternatives: In physics or engineering, you might use 'intervalos' (intervals) or 'periodos' (periods) for more precise measurements of 'tiempos'.

El sensor mide los intervalos entre cada pulso eléctrico con gran exactitud.

In summary, while 'tiempos' is a versatile 'catch-all' word, choosing a more specific alternative like 'época', 'plazo', or 'vez' can make your Spanish sound more sophisticated and precise. As a B1 learner, you should start noticing when native speakers choose one over the other. 'Tiempos' is your reliable foundation, but these alternatives are the decorations that make your language skills truly shine.

En esta etapa de mi vida, valoro más los tiempos de tranquilidad en casa.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'tiempo' in Spanish is used for both 'time' and 'weather', which can be confusing for English speakers, but the plural 'tiempos' is almost never used for weather.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈtjem.pos/

US /ˈtjem.poʊs/

The stress is on the first syllable: TIEM-pos.

Rime avec

contratiempos pasatiempos tiempos (itself) ejemplos (near rhyme) templos (near rhyme) campos (near rhyme) cuerpos (near rhyme) grupos (near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as three syllables (ti-em-pos). It should be two.
Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (as in English). In Spanish, 't' is dental and soft.
Making the 'ie' sound like 'ee'. It should be a quick 'y' sound leading into 'e'.
Over-emphasizing the final 's'.
Pronouncing the 'p' with too much aspiration.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, though metaphorical uses require more thought.

Écriture 3/5

Requires care to avoid the 'veces' vs 'tiempos' error.

Expression orale 3/5

Natural use of idioms like 'en mis tiempos' takes practice.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

tiempo vez año pasado verbo

Apprends ensuite

época era etapa duración plazo

Avancé

consecutio temporum devenir fugacidad cronología

Grammaire à connaître

Pluralization of Nouns

tiempo -> tiempos

Adjective Agreement

buenos tiempos (masculine plural)

Sequence of Tenses (Correlación de tiempos)

Si tuviera tiempo, iría (Imperfect Subjunctive + Conditional)

Use of 'Haber' in Compound Tenses

He comido (Presente perfecto - un tiempo compuesto)

Prepositional Phrases for Time

En tiempos de...

Exemples par niveau

Vivimos en buenos tiempos.

We live in good times.

Plural masculine noun 'tiempos' with the adjective 'buenos'.

Los tiempos cambian mucho.

Times change a lot.

Subject 'Los tiempos' with the verb 'cambian' in the present tense.

Estudio los tiempos del verbo.

I study the verb tenses.

Here 'tiempos' refers to grammatical categories.

Son tiempos difíciles para todos.

They are difficult times for everyone.

Use of 'son' (plural of ser) with 'tiempos'.

El primer tiempo terminó.

The first half ended.

In sports, 'tiempo' refers to a half or period.

Me gustan los tiempos de paz.

I like times of peace.

Plural noun used to describe a general state of affairs.

En mis tiempos no había esto.

In my time, this didn't exist.

Common phrase 'en mis tiempos' to refer to the past.

Hay muchos tiempos verbales.

There are many verb tenses.

'Muchos' agrees with the masculine plural 'tiempos'.

En tiempos de mi abuela, todo era más barato.

In my grandmother's time, everything was cheaper.

Using 'en tiempos de' to specify a historical period.

No entiendo los tiempos pasados todavía.

I don't understand the past tenses yet.

Refers to the preterite and imperfect tenses.

Los tiempos de espera son largos hoy.

The waiting times are long today.

Plural 'tiempos' used for duration of a process.

Corren tiempos de mucha tecnología.

These are times of much technology.

The verb 'correr' is often used with 'tiempos' to mean 'to be current'.

El partido tiene dos tiempos de 45 minutos.

The match has two halves of 45 minutes.

Standard way to describe the structure of a soccer game.

Recordamos los viejos tiempos con alegría.

We remember the old times with joy.

'Viejos tiempos' is a common collocation for 'the good old days'.

Los tiempos de entrega son de tres días.

The delivery times are three days.

Used in commercial and logistics contexts.

Aprendemos los tiempos compuestos en clase.

We are learning the compound tenses in class.

'Tiempos compuestos' refers to tenses using the auxiliary 'haber'.

¡A los tiempos que te veo, amigo!

It's been ages since I saw you, friend!

Regional idiomatic expression (Latin America) for 'long time no see'.

Debemos adaptarnos a los nuevos tiempos si queremos tener éxito.

We must adapt to the new times if we want to be successful.

Refers to the current social or technological era.

En tiempos de crisis, la gente ahorra más dinero.

In times of crisis, people save more money.

Common phrase to describe economic or social instability.

El motor de mi coche es de cuatro tiempos.

My car's engine is a four-stroke engine.

Technical term in mechanics for engine cycles.

Es necesario manejar bien los tiempos en la cocina.

It is necessary to manage the timing well in the kitchen.

'Manejar los tiempos' refers to coordination and timing.

Los tiempos verbales del subjuntivo son complicados.

The subjunctive verb tenses are complicated.

Refers to the present, imperfect, and future subjunctive.

El corredor marcó los mejores tiempos de la temporada.

The runner set the best times of the season.

Refers to recorded durations in a competition.

Cualquier tiempo pasado fue mejor, según el poeta.

Any past time was better, according to the poet.

Famous literary quote from Jorge Manrique.

La empresa ha reducido los tiempos de producción significativamente.

The company has significantly reduced production times.

Professional context referring to industrial efficiency.

En tiempos de los romanos, esta ciudad era muy importante.

In the times of the Romans, this city was very important.

Historical reference using 'en tiempos de'.

El director de la orquesta controla los tiempos con su batuta.

The conductor controls the beats with his baton.

Musical context referring to rhythm and tempo.

Hay que saber leer los tiempos políticos para ganar las elecciones.

One must know how to read the political times to win the elections.

Metaphorical use meaning 'current climate' or 'timing'.

Los tiempos de carga de la web son fundamentales para el SEO.

The website's loading times are fundamental for SEO.

Technical term in web development and marketing.

El entrenador pidió un tiempo muerto para cambiar la estrategia.

The coach called a timeout to change the strategy.

'Tiempo muerto' is the standard term for a timeout.

A pesar de los malos tiempos, la empresa sigue creciendo.

Despite the bad times, the company continues to grow.

'Malos tiempos' refers to an unfavorable economic period.

La correlación de tiempos es vital para hablar bien español.

The sequence of tenses is vital to speak Spanish well.

Advanced grammatical concept (consecutio temporum).

La novela juega con los tiempos narrativos de forma magistral.

The novel plays with narrative times in a masterful way.

Literary analysis of how time is structured in a story.

Vivimos tiempos de una transformación social sin precedentes.

We live in times of an unprecedented social transformation.

Formal sociological observation.

Es imperativo acortar los tiempos de respuesta ante una emergencia.

It is imperative to shorten response times in an emergency.

Formal/Technical context regarding public safety.

Los tiempos de la justicia no siempre coinciden con los de la opinión pública.

The timing of justice does not always coincide with that of public opinion.

Philosophical/Legal observation about duration and process.

En aquellos tiempos remotos, la comunicación era mucho más lenta.

In those remote times, communication was much slower.

Evocative historical description.

El autor reflexiona sobre la fugacidad de los tiempos en su obra.

The author reflects on the fleeting nature of times in his work.

Abstract literary theme.

Debemos ser cautos y esperar a que los tiempos maduren.

We must be cautious and wait for the times to ripen.

Metaphorical use meaning 'wait for the right moment'.

La sincronización de los tiempos de ejecución es clave en este software.

The synchronization of execution times is key in this software.

High-level technical/engineering context.

La dialéctica de los tiempos históricos revela patrones recurrentes.

The dialectic of historical times reveals recurring patterns.

Highly academic/philosophical usage.

El poema evoca los tiempos de una Arcadia perdida y bucólica.

The poem evokes the times of a lost and bucolic Arcadia.

Literary/Artistic reference to a mythical past.

La gestión de los tiempos de espera es un arte en la diplomacia internacional.

Managing waiting times is an art in international diplomacy.

Nuanced use in a high-stakes professional context.

Se observa una disonancia entre los tiempos biológicos y los sociales.

A dissonance is observed between biological and social times.

Scientific/Sociological abstraction.

Los tiempos verbales arcaicos aún persisten en ciertos textos jurídicos.

Archaic verb tenses still persist in certain legal texts.

Linguistic observation about specialized registers.

La relatividad de los tiempos es un concepto que trasciende la física.

The relativity of times is a concept that transcends physics.

Philosophical exploration of a scientific concept.

El orador manejó los tiempos del silencio para enfatizar su mensaje.

The speaker managed the timing of silence to emphasize his message.

Rhetorical analysis of timing and delivery.

La obra maestra de Proust es una búsqueda de los tiempos perdidos.

Proust's masterpiece is a search for lost times.

Reference to the famous literary title 'En busca del tiempo perdido' (pluralized here for effect).

Collocations courantes

tiempos verbales

tiempos modernos

tiempos difíciles

tiempos de espera

tiempos de entrega

primer tiempo

tiempos remotos

tiempos de respuesta

tiempos muertos

tiempos de paz

Phrases Courantes

en tiempos de

corren tiempos

a los tiempos

viejos tiempos

nuevos tiempos

tiempos mejores

tiempos de guerra

tiempos de ocio

tiempos pasados

tiempos de bonanza

Souvent confondu avec

tiempos vs veces

Use 'veces' for frequency (3 times = 3 veces), not 'tiempos'.

tiempos vs clima

While 'tiempo' (singular) means weather, 'tiempos' (plural) does not.

tiempos vs épocas

'Épocas' is more formal and specific for historical periods.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Cualquier tiempo pasado fue mejor"

The past was always better. A common saying about nostalgia.

Mi abuelo siempre dice que cualquier tiempo pasado fue mejor.

literary/common

"Dar tiempo al tiempo"

To give it time. To wait patiently for things to resolve.

No te desesperes, hay que dar tiempo al tiempo.

neutral

"Manejar los tiempos"

To control the timing of events strategically.

El político sabe manejar los tiempos de la prensa.

formal

"A los tiempos"

It's been a long time. Used as an exclamation.

¡A los tiempos que vienes por aquí!

informal (LatAm)

"Corren malos tiempos"

Times are tough right now.

Corren malos tiempos para la industria del carbón.

neutral

"Eran otros tiempos"

Things were different back then.

Antes no usábamos casco, eran otros tiempos.

informal

"Tiempos muertos"

Idle time or timeouts in sports.

El entrenador usó sus tiempos muertos sabiamente.

neutral

"Ajustarse a los tiempos"

To keep up with the times/modernize.

Esta ley debe ajustarse a los tiempos actuales.

formal

"En tiempos de Maricastaña"

A very long time ago (equivalent to 'in the year dot').

Esa ropa es de tiempos de Maricastaña.

informal (Spain)

"Matar el tiempo"

To kill time (though singular, related to the concept).

Jugamos a las cartas para matar el tiempo.

informal

Facile à confondre

tiempos vs veces

Both translate to 'times' in English.

'Veces' is for counting occurrences; 'tiempos' is for eras, tenses, or durations.

Fui tres veces (I went 3 times). Eran otros tiempos (They were different times).

tiempos vs épocas

Both refer to periods of time.

'Épocas' is more formal and usually refers to a well-defined historical era.

La época victoriana vs. En tiempos de mi abuelo.

tiempos vs plazos

Both relate to duration.

'Plazos' refers specifically to deadlines or scheduled windows.

El plazo termina mañana vs. Los tiempos de entrega son lentos.

tiempos vs momentos

Both refer to time segments.

'Momentos' are short and specific; 'tiempos' are longer or categorical.

Un momento, por favor vs. En tiempos de paz.

tiempos vs horas

Both measure time.

'Horas' is a specific unit of 60 minutes; 'tiempos' is a general period or category.

Son tres horas de viaje vs. Los tiempos de viaje varían.

Structures de phrases

Los tiempos son [adjective].

Los tiempos son difíciles.

En tiempos de [person/era]...

En tiempos de mi abuelo no había tele.

Estudiar los tiempos [adjective].

Estudio los tiempos verbales.

A los tiempos que [verb].

A los tiempos que te veo.

Manejar los tiempos de [noun].

Maneja los tiempos de la reunión.

Tiempos de [noun] largos/cortos.

Tiempos de espera largos.

Adaptarse a los [adjective] tiempos.

Adaptarse a los nuevos tiempos.

La dialéctica de los tiempos [adjective].

La dialéctica de los tiempos históricos.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Spanish.

Erreurs courantes

He ido a México tres tiempos. → He ido a México tres veces.
You must use 'veces' for frequency/counting occurrences.
Los tiempos son muy calientes hoy. → Hace mucho calor hoy.
'Tiempos' (plural) is not used for weather. Use 'tiempo' (singular) or 'clima'.
Dos tiempos dos son cuatro. → Dos por dos son cuatro.
In math, 'times' is translated as 'por', not 'tiempos'.
Me gustan las tiempos de verano. → Me gustan los tiempos de verano (or el tiempo de verano).
'Tiempos' is masculine, so it must use 'los', not 'las'.
Pide un tiempo para el equipo. → Pide un tiempo muerto para el equipo.
In sports, the specific term for a timeout is 'tiempo muerto'.

Astuces

Tenses vs. Times

Always use 'tiempos verbales' when talking about grammar. It's a fixed phrase.

Avoid 'Tiempos' for Counting

Remember: 1 time = 1 vez, 2 times = 2 veces. Never use 'tiempos' here.

Regional Greetings

Use '¡A los tiempos!' in Latin America to sound more local and friendly.

Nostalgia

Use 'Eran otros tiempos' to talk about how things have changed over the years.

Soccer Halves

Remember that a soccer match has a 'primer tiempo' and a 'segundo tiempo'.

Keep the Beat

In dance or music, 'tiempos' are the beats you count (1, 2, 3, 4).

Efficiency

Use 'tiempos de entrega' to discuss shipping and logistics with clients.

Historical Context

Use 'en tiempos de...' to introduce historical facts in your writing.

News Keywords

When you hear 'estos tiempos' on the news, pay attention—they are discussing current events.

Versatility

Don't be afraid of 'tiempos'. It's a very flexible word once you know its main categories.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Tiempos' as 'Tenses' (Grammar) and 'Times' (Eras). Both start with 'T'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a timeline divided into different colored segments. Each segment is one of the 'tiempos' of history.

Word Web

Gramática Historia Deportes Música Reloj Pasado Futuro Época

Défi

Try to write three sentences: one about a historical period, one about a verb tense, and one about a sport, all using the word 'tiempos'.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'tempus', which means time, period, or season. It is related to the root for 'stretching' or 'measuring'.

Sens originel : A portion of time, a season, or a specific occasion.

Romance (derived from Latin).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but 'en mis tiempos' can sometimes sound dismissive of younger generations.

English speakers often struggle with the 'time vs. weather' distinction in the singular, and the 'times vs. occurrences' distinction in the plural.

En busca del tiempo perdido (Marcel Proust - though singular, often discussed in plural 'tiempos') Tiempos Modernos (Charlie Chaplin movie title in Spanish) Coplas a la muerte de su padre (Jorge Manrique - 'Cualquier tiempo pasado fue mejor')

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

History Class

en tiempos de la guerra
tiempos remotos
tiempos antiguos
el paso de los tiempos

Grammar Lesson

tiempos verbales
tiempos simples
tiempos compuestos
correlación de tiempos

Sports Commentary

primer tiempo
segundo tiempo
tiempos extras
tiempo muerto

Business/Logistics

tiempos de entrega
tiempos de producción
tiempos de respuesta
manejar los tiempos

Nostalgic Conversation

en mis tiempos
viejos tiempos
eran otros tiempos
tiempos mejores

Amorces de conversation

"¿Cuáles son los tiempos verbales que más te cuestan aprender?"

"¿Crees que cualquier tiempo pasado fue realmente mejor?"

"¿Cómo han cambiado los tiempos desde que eras niño?"

"¿Qué haces para matar el tiempo en los tiempos muertos del trabajo?"

"¿Cómo manejas los tiempos cuando tienes mucho que hacer?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe cómo eran los tiempos de tu infancia comparados con los de ahora.

Escribe sobre una época histórica (en tiempos de...) que te fascine.

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de los tiempos de descanso en tu rutina diaria.

Analiza los tiempos de entrega de tus metas personales para este año.

Escribe una historia corta que empiece con la frase: 'Eran otros tiempos...'

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 'veces'. 'Tres veces' is correct. 'Tres tiempos' would only be used in very specific technical contexts, like music beats or engine cycles.

No. While the singular 'tiempo' means weather, the plural 'tiempos' is not used this way. For weather, stick to the singular 'tiempo' or 'clima'.

They are verb tenses, such as the present, past, and future. It is the standard term used in Spanish grammar.

It means 'in my day' or 'back in my time'. It is usually used by older people to talk about the past.

Not usually. It is a common greeting in parts of Latin America (like Ecuador) meaning 'long time no see'. In Spain, people say '¡Cuánto tiempo!'.

It is a timeout. Even though 'muerto' means dead, it just means the play has stopped.

No, 'tiempo' and 'tiempos' are always masculine. You must say 'los tiempos' or 'buenos tiempos'.

You say 'tiempos modernos'. It refers to the current era or the period after the Middle Ages.

It means to strategically control when certain actions or announcements are made to gain an advantage.

Yes, it refers to the beats or the meter of a piece of music. For example, a 4/4 rhythm has 'cuatro tiempos'.