Meaning
Indicates that the appropriate moment for an action has arrived.
Cultural Background
The 'hora de la comida' (lunchtime) is sacred, usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. If someone says 'Es hora de comer' in Spain, expect a long, multi-course meal, not a quick sandwich. The phrase 'Es hora de que nos vayamos' is often used at parties, but due to 'social politeness,' the actual departure might take another 30-60 minutes (the famous 'despedida'). The 'hora de la merienda' (afternoon snack) is a vital social bridge between work and the very late dinner (often at 10:00 PM). While punctuality varies, 'Es hora de empezar' in a formal meeting is a strict command. However, in social settings, 'Es hora de...' is often more of a suggestion than a rule.
The 'Ya' Trick
Add 'Ya' to the beginning to sound more like a native speaker when you're impatient. '¡Ya es hora!'
The Subjunctive Trap
If you add 'que', the next verb MUST change. 'Es hora de comer' vs 'Es hora de que comas'.
Meaning
Indicates that the appropriate moment for an action has arrived.
The 'Ya' Trick
Add 'Ya' to the beginning to sound more like a native speaker when you're impatient. '¡Ya es hora!'
The Subjunctive Trap
If you add 'que', the next verb MUST change. 'Es hora de comer' vs 'Es hora de que comas'.
Song Lyrics
Listen for this phrase in Disney songs dubbed in Spanish; it's used constantly to move the plot forward.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and verb form.
Ya es hora ______ (ir) al aeropuerto.
The standard pattern is 'Es hora de + infinitive'.
Which sentence is correct when talking to a friend about their habits?
You want to tell your friend it's time for them to study.
When the subject changes (you are telling your friend), you need 'que' + subjunctive.
Match the Spanish phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These variations add different nuances of urgency and timing.
Select the most natural response.
Madre: '¡Juan! ¡Son las ocho de la mañana!' Juan: '¿Ya? ...'
In a daily routine context, 'Es hora de + infinitive' is the most natural choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYa es hora ______ (ir) al aeropuerto.
The standard pattern is 'Es hora de + infinitive'.
You want to tell your friend it's time for them to study.
When the subject changes (you are telling your friend), you need 'que' + subjunctive.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These variations add different nuances of urgency and timing.
Madre: '¡Juan! ¡Son las ocho de la mañana!' Juan: '¿Ya? ...'
In a daily routine context, 'Es hora de + infinitive' is the most natural choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, adding 'la' makes it more specific or emphatic, like 'The hour has come.' For daily things, 'Es hora de' is more common.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your toddler.
'Toca' is more informal and implies a turn or a duty. 'Es hora de' is more about the schedule.
Use 'Ya era hora' as a standalone phrase.
No, for weather use 'Es tiempo de...'.
Yes, 'Es hora de un cambio' is perfect.
Never. In Spanish, 'h' is always silent.
Yes, 'Será hora de...' (It will be time to...).
Yes, it is universal across all Spanish-speaking countries.
No, it must be 'vayamos' (subjunctive).
Related Phrases
Llegó el momento
similarThe moment has arrived
Toca + infinitive
synonymIt's time to / It's one's turn to
Es tiempo de
similarIt is a time of/for
Ya va siendo hora
specialized formIt's about time
Dar la hora
builds onTo strike the hour / To be the latest trend
