el
/ˈɾato/
Translation
a while, a moment, a short time
Word origin
From Latin raptus ('a snatching, a seizing'), the past participle of rapere ('to seize'). It means 'a while, a short time'.
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- raptus
- English cognates
- rapt, rapture, rape
Grammar
Examples
, atiendo.
Wait a while, I will finish with this in a moment and attend to you.
.
We left a while ago and he must already have arrived at the airport.
, .
Rest for a while before carrying on working, you have been going for hours.
buen .
We had a lovely time talking in the garden.
.
A short while later his mother appeared with dinner.
.
We spent a while waiting in the street.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
(9)¿El coche o el carro?
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La habitación libre
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La llamada
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La nota de Rafa
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Laura busca piso
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Lo que dijo el médico
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María lleva una hora esperando
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Media docena de huevos
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Palabras de cocina
5 min read · Core 1000
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rato: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Spanish word "rato" (a while, a moment, a short time): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 17.