Al rato

(time phrases)

A2 (¡Vas bien!)Used EVERYWHERE 🇲🇽Standard Mexican Spanish 💀

🧠 What it means

Ahorita might be the most infamous Mexican time expression. But this chunk gives it a run for its money! It's as Mexican as they come, and can be every bit as vague as its better-known cousin. Here's what it means: 👉 later / in a bit / sometime soon (ish) Yep, like many Mexican time expressions, al rato reflects a more fluid approach to time!

🌪️ When to whip it out

Whenever you want to say that you'll do something later, in a bit, or soonish…

Te marco al rato.

I'll call you in a bit.

Lo hago al rato.

I'll do it later.

— ¿Vas a ir?
— Sí, al rato.
— Are you going?
— Yeah, later.

It's also commonly paired with nos vemos:

Nos vemos al rato.

See you later.

⚠️ Tone

✅ VERY Mexican.

✅ Chill and casual.

✅ Often purposefully vague…

❌ Not used this way in Spain.

🔁 Similar chunks

En un ratoEn un ratitoEn un ratónMás al ratoAl ratitoMás tardeMás tardecitoLuego luegoDe-una-vezEn unos minutitos

🦜 El Rincón del Cotorreo

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