Spanish Grammar Bank
HOW TO SAY FOR NOW IN SPANISH
For now in Spanish can be translated as por ahora, de momento, and por el momento.
These phrases are adverbial markers of time that express the provisional nature or the temporary validity of a statement or situation.
USING “POR AHORA”
In Spanish, the expression por ahora is the most commonly used phrase to express “for now” and is equivalent to provisionalmente (“provisionally” or “temporarily”), meaning, that the statement is currently true but may change in the future.
This phrase is versatile and can be used in both informal and formal contexts.
The expression por ahora is syntactically independent and therefore can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence, all the while maintaining its meaning.
| Por ahora, no necesitamos más ayuda. | For now, we do not need any more help. |
| El trato, por ahora, sigue siendo válido. | The deal, for now, is still valid. |
| Vamos ganando el partido, por ahora. | We are winning the game, for now. |
View More Examples:
| Por ahora, todo está bajo control. | For now, everything is under control. |
| Por ahora, preferimos alquilar una casa. | For now, we would rather rent a house. |
| No nos vamos a ver, por ahora. | We will not see each other, for now. |
POR EL MOMENTO vs. DE MOMENTO
In Spanish, the phrases de momento and por el momento synonymously convey the meaning of “for now” and equally emphasize the temporary nature of a situation.
The placement of either phrase, de momento and por el momento, is flexible. Both are syntactically independent and can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, without this altering the meaning of the statement.
However, they differ slightly in tone and context:
– De momento: is informal and commonly used in conversational Spanish. It emphasizes the immediacy of a statement, also akin to the English expression “at the moment”.
| De momento, no temenos intención de seguir. | For now, we have no intention of carrying on. |
| De momento, se han suspendido las clases. | For now, classes have been suspended. |
| No sabemos nada más, de momento. | We do not know anything more, for now. |
View More Examples:
| De momento, no temenos ningún asiento libre. | For now, we do not have any unoccupied seats. |
| Mi madre, de momento, no nos presta el coche. | My mother, for now, is not lending us the car. |
| Sigo en el mismo trabajo, de momento. | I am still at the same job, for now. |
– Por el momento: is more formal and commonly used in a structured speech or written language, particularly when expressing temporary limitations or provisional decisions, and is often preferred in written and professional contexts.
| Por el momento, no podemos aceptar su propuesta. | As of the moment, we cannot accept your proposal. |
| Por el momento, estamos revisando todas las pruebas. | As of the moment, we are reviewing all the evidence. |
| Tu versión, por el momento, sigue siendo la más creíble. | Your version, for now, is still the most credible. |
View More Examples:
| Mantenemos el horario inicial, por el momento. | We are maintaining the original schedule, for the time being. |
| Por el momento, no vamos a abrir una segunda tienda. | As of the moment, we are not going to open a second store. |
| No temenos ninguna disponibilidad, por el momento. | We do not have any availability, for the time being. |
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FAQs
What is the difference between “por ahora” and “de momento”?
Both phrases mean “for now” and are often interchangeable, but de momento can sound slightly more formal or temporary depending on context.
Is “por el momento” the same as “por ahora”?
Yes, por el momento is a more formal alternative to por ahora, often used in written or professional communication.
Can I use these phrases with future tense verbs?
Yes, they are often used with present or future tense to express a temporary state or decision that might change later.
Are these expressions used in Latin America and Spain alike?
Yes, but de momento is more commonly used in Spain, while por ahora is more frequent across Latin America.
Can “por ahora” mean “for the time being”?
Absolutely.
“Por ahora” can be translated as both “for now” and “for the time being,” depending on the context.
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