Time and days in Catalan
Now, later, tomorrow, what time it opens and one moment please. Play the ten Catalan 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 Catalan phrases in this lesson
- AraA-ra
- Now
- Més tardmes TAR
- Later
- Avuia-VOO-ee
- Today
- Demàde-MA
- Tomorrow
- Aquesta nita-KES-ta NEET
- Tonight
- Quan?kwan
- When?
- A quina hora obre?a KEE-na O-ra O-bra
- What time does it open?
- Un moment, si us plauoon mo-MEN see oos PLOW
- One moment, please
- Minutsmee-NOOTS
- Minutes
- HoresO-res
- Hours
Short and useful. "Ara mateix" means "right now" and adds urgency. "Ara no" politely signals you are busy or not interested at this moment.
Literally "more late." Catalans are comfortable with flexible timing: lunch at 2pm or 3pm, dinner from 9pm onwards. "Una mica més tard" (a little later) is a phrase you will hear often.
The "ui" ending is a diphthong that trips up many learners. Think of "a-VOO-ee" run together quickly. Used constantly: "avui no" means "not today" and "avui és..." sets the day.
The accent falls on the final syllable, as the grave accent signals. "Fins demà" (until tomorrow) is a common farewell. "Demà al matí" means "tomorrow morning."