Time and days in Basque
Now, later, tomorrow, what time it opens and one moment please. Play the ten Basque words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Basque phrases in this lesson
- Oraino-RAIN
- Now
- Geroagoge-ro-A-go
- Later
- Gaurgow-r
- Today
- BiharBEE-har
- Tomorrow
- Gaur gaueangowr gow-E-an
- Tonight
- Noiz?NOYS
- When?
- Zer ordutan irekitzen da?ser or-DOO-tan ee-re-KEE-tsen da
- What time does it open?
- Momentu bat, mesedezmo-MEN-too bat me-SE-des
- One moment, please
- Minutumee-NOO-too
- Minutes
- OrduOR-doo
- Hours
Used to indicate something happening right now or to ask for something immediately. "Orain!" said urgently is understood everywhere without translation.
Useful for deferring something politely, like a second drink or a tour. The "-ago" suffix adds the sense of "more later," which is how Basque forms comparatives.
One syllable with a soft rolled "r" at the end. You will use this constantly: "gaur gauean" (tonight, literally "tonight of today") is a common phrase in bars.
The "h" is lightly aspirated, not silent here. "Bihar arte" (until tomorrow) is a warm way to say goodbye if you plan to return to the same bar the next day.
Literally "today at night".
Stays singular after a number: "bost minutu".
"Bi ordu", two hours.