Translation
a while, a moment, a short time
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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
, .
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.
.
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
(12)A Paula le duele todo
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El perro del barrio
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El primer día de trabajo
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El vecino nuevo
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En el médico
3 min read · Core 1000
La habitación libre
3 min read · Core 5000
Lo hizo esperar
3 min read · Core 5000
María lleva una hora esperando
3 min read · Core 5000
Pedro conoce a alguien
3 min read · Core 5000
El árbol no cabe
5 min read · Core 5000
Ochenta y nueve lunes
5 min read · Core 5000
Un viaje sin suerte
5 min read · Core 5000
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Spanish · Free printables
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.
This word is taught in chapter 11, lesson 2: rato, libertad, guapo and 7 more words.