Time expressions commonly used with the near future

When you’re learning Spanish, mastering the near future tense is essential for talking about upcoming events. But to truly express when something will happen, you also need to get familiar with common time expressions. These phrases help you specify the timeframe of future actions, making your Spanish more precise and natural.

Common Time Expressions

Here are some frequently used time expressions for the near future in Spanish:

1. Esta tarde (this afternoon)
   • Example: Voy a estudiar esta tarde. (I’m going to study this afternoon.)
2. Mañana (tomorrow)
   • Example: Vamos a ir al cine mañana. (We’re going to go to the movies tomorrow.)
3. La próxima semana (next week)
   • Example: Vas a empezar tu nuevo trabajo la próxima semana. (You’re going to start your new job next week.)
4. El mes que viene (next month)
   • Example: Ellos van a mudarse el mes que viene. (They’re going to move next month.)
5. Dentro de poco (soon)
   • Example: Va a llover dentro de poco. (It’s going to rain soon.)

Using Time Expressions Effectively

To incorporate these expressions into your Spanish conversations, keep these tips in mind:

1. Placement: Time expressions are usually placed at the end of the sentence, but you can also put them at the beginning for emphasis.
   • Example: El fin de semana voy a visitar a mis abuelos. (This weekend, I’m going to visit my grandparents.)
2. Combining expressions: You can combine different time expressions for more specific timing.
   • Example: Mañana por la tarde vamos a tener una reunión. (Tomorrow afternoon, we’re going to have a meeting.)
3. Context matters: Some expressions like “dentro de poco” are relative and depend on the context of your conversation.
4. Practice regularly: The more you use these expressions in real-life situations, the more natural they’ll become in your speech.

By mastering these time expressions and using them with the near future tense, you’ll be able to communicate your plans and upcoming events more clearly and confidently in Spanish. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate these phrases into your daily Spanish conversations or writing exercises. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)