ahora

now

adverb ah-OH-rah Common

Origin: From Latin hac hora (at this hour).

Usage Note

Ahora means 'now' or 'at the moment'. Ahora mismo intensifies it to 'right now / this very moment'. Por ahora means 'for now'. In some Latin American varieties, especially Mexico and the Caribbean, ahorita can mean 'right now', 'in a moment', or 'just now' depending on context and tone — a famous source of ambiguity for learners. In Spain ahora mismo is the natural way to say 'right now'.

Examples

"Ahora no puedo hablar contigo."

Natural Translation

I can't talk to you right now.

Literal Translation

Now not I-can speak with-you

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