In Spanish, “la hora” is like talking about a specific time, like on the clock. So, “¿Qué hora es?” means “What time is it?” or “La hora de mi cita es a las tres” means “My appointment time is at three.”
“El tiempo” is more general, like talking about time in a broader sense or the weather. For example, “Pasé algún tiempo aquí” means “I spent some time here” and “El tiempo es dinero” means “Time is money.”
| La Hora (Time on the clock) | El Tiempo (General Time/Weather) | |
|---|---|---|
| Example 1 | ¿Qué hora es? (What time is it?) | Pasé algún tiempo aquí (I spent some time here) |
| Example 2 | La hora de mi cita es a las tres (My appointment time is at three) | El tiempo es dinero (Time is money) |
Tiempo
General Time:
- General (General): “Tiempo” means time in a general way. Like when we spend a lot of time with friends, we say “Pasamos mucho tiempo juntos” (We spend a lot of time together).
- Periodo (Period): It can talk about long or short periods of time, like “un largo tiempo” (a long time) or “un corto periodo de tiempo” (a short period of time).
- Duración (Duration): Describes how long something lasts, such as “la duración del concierto” (the duration of the concert).
Abstract Concepts:
- Abstracto (Abstract): “Tiempo” is used for big ideas about time, like in philosophy. For example, thinking about the abstract concepts of time.
- Filosofía del tiempo (Philosophy of time): This means thinking deeply about time and existence.
- Metáfora (Metaphor): We use it in sayings like “El tiempo vuela” (Time flies), comparing time to flying.
Weather:
- Clima (Climate): It’s also used to talk about the weather, like “el tiempo en la playa” (the weather at the beach).
- Condiciones meteorológicas (Weather conditions): Describes specific weather situations, such as “las condiciones meteorológicas adversas” (adverse weather conditions).
- Estación (Season): Connects time to seasons, like “cambios en el tiempo durante cada estación” (changes in weather during each season).
- Pronóstico del tiempo (Weather forecast): Means predicting what the weather will be like in the future, like “verificar el pronóstico del tiempo” (checking the weather forecast).
Expressions:
- Tiempo es dinero (Time is money): This phrase says time is valuable, especially in work and business.
- Pasar tiempo (Spending time): Describes using time, like “pasar tiempo con la familia” (spending time with family).
- Perder tiempo (Losing time): Means not using time well or being unproductive.
- Aprovechar el tiempo (Making the most of time): Encourages using time wisely, like “aprovechar el tiempo libre” (making the most of free time).
In simple terms, “Tiempo” helps us talk about when things happen, how long they last, and even big ideas or the weather.