Significado
Used to state that one is not available or lacks spare time.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, 'No tengo tiempo' is often countered by the cultural concept of 'mañana' (tomorrow), suggesting that if there's no time today, it can always wait until tomorrow. Mexicans might use the diminutive 'ahorita' to avoid saying 'no tengo tiempo' directly, as it can sound too harsh. 'Ahorita' can mean anything from 'in a second' to 'never'. In Buenos Aires, the pace of life is fast. 'No tengo tiempo' is often replaced by 'Estoy a mil' (I'm at a thousand/full speed).
Add a softener
Always start with 'Lo siento' or 'Perdona' to sound more polite when using this phrase.
Article Error
Remember: 'No tengo tiempo', NOT 'No tengo el tiempo'.
Significado
Used to state that one is not available or lacks spare time.
Add a softener
Always start with 'Lo siento' or 'Perdona' to sound more polite when using this phrase.
Article Error
Remember: 'No tengo tiempo', NOT 'No tengo el tiempo'.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'tener'.
Yo no ___ tiempo para ir al cine.
The subject is 'Yo' (I), so the verb 'tener' must be conjugated in the first person singular: 'tengo'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the natural Spanish way to say 'I don't have time'.
In Spanish, we omit the article 'el' in this common expression.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: ¿Quieres jugar al fútbol? María: Lo siento, ___.
Contextually, María is declining an invitation to play, so 'no tengo tiempo' is the logical answer.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are running to catch a train and someone stops you to ask for directions.
This is the most appropriate response when you are in a rush.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosYo no ___ tiempo para ir al cine.
The subject is 'Yo' (I), so the verb 'tener' must be conjugated in the first person singular: 'tengo'.
Select the natural Spanish way to say 'I don't have time'.
In Spanish, we omit the article 'el' in this common expression.
Juan: ¿Quieres jugar al fútbol? María: Lo siento, ___.
Contextually, María is declining an invitation to play, so 'no tengo tiempo' is the logical answer.
You are running to catch a train and someone stops you to ask for directions.
This is the most appropriate response when you are in a rush.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
2 perguntasYes, but 'No hay tiempo' means 'There is no time' (general/objective), while 'No tengo tiempo' is personal ('I don't have time').
Both are correct. 'Para' is more common for goals ('tiempo para estudiar'), while 'de' is often used for specific actions ('tiempo de hablar').
Frases relacionadas
Estar ocupado
similarTo be busy
Tener prisa
similarTo be in a hurry
Sacar tiempo
contrastTo make/find time
