minuto — meaning in English: minute

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for minute

señora

eras

minuto

hablo

sucedió

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Spanish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native Spanish speakers use the word 'minuto' in everyday conversations to discuss time, whether they're setting an appointment or expressing how long something will take. For example, you might hear it in a casual chat: 'Llegaré en cinco minutos' ('I'll arrive in five minutes'). It's also commonly used in more formal settings, such as in meetings or presentations, where precise timing is essential.

Synonyms & nuances

'Minuto' is often used interchangeably with 'segundo' (second) when discussing time, but their nuances differ. While 'minuto' refers to a longer duration (60 seconds), 'segundo' is more about short, precise moments. You'd choose 'minuto' when discussing timeframes of several minutes, while 'segundo' would be more appropriate in contexts where precision is key.

Culture

'Minuto' comes from the Latin 'minutum,' meaning 'small' or 'minute', reflecting the idea of a small unit of time. Interestingly, the concept of a minute has been significant in various cultures for scheduling and planning, influencing how we structure our daily lives. In modern Spanish, the word has also taken on idiomatic expressions, such as 'de un minuto a otro,' meaning 'any minute now,' indicating a sense of immediacy.

FAQ

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 'minuto'?

A common mistake is confusing 'minuto' with 'minuta,' which refers to minutes in a meeting or a brief record of what was discussed. Ensure you're using 'minuto' when referring to time.

Learn spanish with Maspeak →

Spanish 1000