How do I use the word "ahorita" in Spanish?

Question

Most Spanish learners know that adding "-ito" or "-ita" to a word, makes it seem smaller (pequeño vs pequeñito; hermano vs hermanito). So, if "ahora" means "now," what does "ahorita" mean?

Answer 1

The meaning of "ahorita" depends on the context in which it is used. While it literally is translated to "right now," it can be used to refer to the present, past or future. Here are the most common meanings:

1. "Right now." This is the most literal meaning and the easiest to understand. Someone may say, "Ya tengo hambre- vamos ahorita para comer?" (I'm hungry already- can we go eat right now?)
2. "Just now" (as in "a moment ago"). You'll know if this is the meaning if the speaker uses the past tense. For example, someone might say, "Ahorita fui al mercado" (I just went to the market).
3. "In a bit." While it sounds like "right now," someone may actually be telling you they are busy at the moment and will complete the action later. For example, if a problem arises at work, your boss may say, "Ahorita lo checo," meaning they will check it at a later time.
4. "No thank you." Interestingly, "ahorita" can also be used to politely decline an offer. For example, you may offer your friend some of the snack you're eating. They could say "ahorita," which most often means "no thank you" in this situation.

Remember to listen carefully for context and you'll find this much easier to understand than anticipated. :)

Answer 2

It is important to note that, in fact, the meaning of the diminutive form of words is more often metaphorical than it is literal. While both are valid, native Spanish speakers often use the diminutive, “-ito/a,” to add a sense of petiteness, cuteness or imply similar meaning to this.

In addition to the literal and positive metaphorical meanings, the diminutive can also imply a negative metaphorical connotation, such as in English. For example, in Cee-Lo Green’s song “Forget You,” he says “Why don’t you go run and tell your little boyfriend . . . ” In this case, the boyfriend is obviously not physically small, but Cee-Lo diminishes said boyfriend’s value in a negative way. This exact same usage can also be employed in Spanish to reprimand an unfaithful significant other, e.g. “ve y díselo a tu noviecito.”

Now, to your question regarding “ahorita.” This fits into a fourth category which at once encompasses elements of, but distinguishes itself from each of the aforementioned three: idioms. “Ahorita” is a colloquial idiom used mainly in American Spanish dialects, as opposed to Spain’s Spanish. “Ahorita” means “right now.” In Spain, it would be more common to say “ahora mismo”. Naturally, like in English, all variations are possible and could be said by a native depending on the speaker’s intention. I’ve even heard a native speaker say “ahora mismito” to add a sense of irony, but continue urging that something occur “right now”.

To reiterate, “ahorita” means “right now,” and has equivalent meaning to “right this second” or similar English phrases.

One final note is that while using this word is perfectly fine and quite common in informal contexts, it is probably best left unused in formal contexts, such as business letters and essays, where “ahora mismo” is largely preferred.

Answer 3

"Ahorita" is a little tricky for many Spanish learners. Similar to other words, it depends on context:

1) "Ahorita (mismo)." In other words, "right the heck now!" Used with "mismo," "ahorita" typically means "at this very moment."

2) "Ahorita hablamos." This literally translates to, "We talk right now." But it actually means, "We'll talk later." Remember that the present tense in Spanish can often be translated to the future or gerund tense in English (¿Qué haces? = What (are you) doing?) In this case, "ahorita" actually signifies, "in a little while."

Answer 4

Ahorita depends on context. In most cases it is used among native speakers to say "in a little bit"

Ejemplo (espanol):

Me: ?Mama, donde esta su botella de agua? Necesita tomar mas agua.

Mi mama: !Uyy Ahorita Ashley, estoy ocupada con esta novela!

Example (english)

Me: Mama, where is tour water bottle? You need to drink more water.

Mi mama: Ughh in a little bit Ashley, I'm bust with this soap opera.