How To Say Then In Spanish

If you are trying to learn Spanish, you may be wondering how to say then in Spanish. This little word has many different meanings and uses in English, so it is important to understand the different ways it can be translated into Spanish. In this article, we will explore the different translations of then in Spanish, provide examples of how to use the word in context, and discuss any regional differences you may encounter.

Fast track your vocabulary with the 10.000 most common Spanish words!

What is Then in Spanish?

"Then" is a common English word that can be used as an adverb, a conjunction, or an adjective. In Spanish, the translations of then will vary depending on the context and the meaning of the word. Here are some of the most common translations of then in Spanish:

Entonces: This is the most common translation of then in Spanish. It is used as an adverb to mean "at that time" or "in that case". The IPA phonetics for "entonces" are /enˈtonses/. Example:

• Entonces, fui a la tienda y compré pan.

(Then, I went to the store and bought bread.)

Luego: This is another common translation of then in Spanish. It can be used as an adverb to mean "after that" or "later", or as a conjunction to mean "then" or "so". The IPA phonetics for "luego" are /ˈlweɣo/. Example:

• Primero, hice la tarea y luego fui al cine.

(First, I did my homework and then I went to the movies.)

Después: This word is similar in meaning to "luego" and can also be used as an adverb or a conjunction. It means "afterwards" or "later". The IPA phonetics for "después" are /deˈspwes/. Example:

• Comí un bocadillo y después fui a dormir.

(I ate a sandwich and then went to sleep.)

En ese momento: This phrase is a bit longer than the other translations, but it is useful when you want to be more specific. It means "at that moment" or "at that time". The IPA phonetics for "en ese momento" are /en ˈese moˈmento/. Example:

• Estaba leyendo un libro y en ese momento sonó el teléfono.

(I was reading a book and then the phone rang.)

En aquel entonces: This phrase is used to refer to a specific time in the past. It means "at that time" or "back then". The IPA phonetics for "en aquel entonces" are /en aˈkel enˈtonses/. Example:

• En aquel entonces, no había internet.

(Back then, there was no internet.)

Meaning of Then in Spanish

As we have seen, then can have many different meanings in English, and the same is true in Spanish. Here are some of the most common meanings of then in Spanish:

• To refer to a specific time or moment in the past
• To show a sequence of events
• To introduce a result or consequence
• To express a condition or hypothesis

4 eBooks of the Spanish Frequency Dictionaries series by MostUsedWords

Translating Then to Spanish

Now that you know the meaning of then in Spanish, it is important to understand how to use it correctly in a sentence. Here are some examples of how to use "entonces" in different contexts:

• Si no te gusta, entonces no lo comas.

(If you don't like it, then don't eat it.)

• Terminó su tarea y entonces se fue a dormir.

(He finished his homework and then went to bed.)

• Estaba llegando tarde, entonces la llamé y después tomé un taxi.

(I was running late, so I called her and then took a taxi.)

Regional Differences

As with any language, there may be some regional differences in how then is used in Spanish. In some Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico and Argentina, the word "entonces" is often used more casually and can be used as a filler word or a way to fill pauses in conversation. In other countries, such as Spain, the word may be used more formally.

You can find the paperbacks on Amazon (we have frequency dictionaries for beginners, intermediates, advanced and near-fluent students), or get the eBooks directly from us here. (They are affiliate links. That means we might get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking these links, at no extra cost to you.) 

How to Say Then in Spanish: Sample Sentences

Here are five sample sentences you can use to say then in Spanish:

• Terminé mi trabajo y luego fui al gimnasio.

(I finished my work, and then I went to the gym.)

• Si quieres aprender español, entonces debes practicar todos los días.

(If you want to learn Spanish, then you should practice every day.)

• Estaba cansada, entonces tomó una siesta, y después se sintió mejor.

(She was tired, so she took a nap, and then she felt better.)

• No tengo planes para esta noche, entonces simplemente veré una película y luego me acostaré.

(I don't have any plans for tonight, so I'll just watch a movie and then go to bed.)

• Tengo que terminar este informe, y entonces puedo ir a casa.

(I have to finish this report, and then I can go home.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, "entonces" is the Spanish equivalent of the English word "then". It is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, and it is important to understand its different meanings to use it correctly. Whether you are learning Spanish for work, travel, or personal reasons, knowing how to say then in Spanish is an essential part of your language learning journey.