Ahora mismo, enseguida o poquito a poco: exprésate como en España

Artículo corto: expresiones de tiempo comunes (y falsos amigos) en España.

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Dannis

2 min reading time

Colloquialisms and slang Animals Adverbs

Keywords:

poquito a poco ahora mismo ya mismo (no usar)enseguida

Marca la opción que NO suena natural en España: —¿Puedes venir ____? Estoy en la puerta.

Correct: 0/7

Hints for this Quiz

Think: how would a speaker from Spain say “right now” or “in a minute”? ("ya mismo" is not typical peninsular Spanish).

In everyday speech in Spain people say "ahora mismo" ("right now") or "enseguida" ("in a moment / very soon"). The phrase "ya mismo" is perceived as Latin American and sounds unnatural in Spain, so it’s better to avoid it if you want specifically peninsular usage. For more on modern colloquial Spanish from Spain, see the guide to colloquialisms.

Look for the expression "little by little". Not "immediately", but "gradually".

"poquito a poco" = "little by little, gradually". When talking about pets, speakers in Spain often use diminutives and a soft, affectionate tone (perrete, vete, chuche), and this idea of "gradualness" fits well with the owners’ caring attitude.

In restaurants and bars in Spain, waiters usually answer "Enseguida". Choose that one.

In customer service in Spain the standard is "Enseguida" ("very soon"). The phrase "ya mismo" doesn’t sound peninsular; in Spain it’s better to say "ahora mismo" or "enseguida". For more on typical phrases in bars and shops, see resources on commercial colloquial Spanish ("¿Qué te pongo?", "¿Me cobras?") and overviews of colloquial norms in Spain.

It’s almost "now", but not "this very second": more like "in a minute".

"Enseguida" = "in a moment, very soon", not necessarily "this very second". "Ahora mismo" is even more immediate ("right now"). This contrast is typical in colloquial peninsular Spanish.

In an urgent situation you want "very soon": choose "enseguida". Also remember that "vete" here is colloquial for "veterinario".

The correct option is "enseguida" ("very soon"). The word "vete" here is a colloquial shortening of "veterinario" that you’ll often see in pet‑related contexts in Spain. "Ya mismo" is not typical in Spain; in these situations it’s better to say "ahora mismo" or "enseguida".

Look for the equivalent of "right now". It’s not "in a minute" and definitely not "gradually".

"Ahora mismo" = "right now" (the most immediate). "Enseguida" = "in a moment, very soon". "Poquito a poco" = "gradually", and doesn’t express urgency. This kind of distinction is characteristic of colloquial Spanish in Spain.

Replace "ya mismo" with the form you hear in Spain for "right now / this very moment".

In Spain, instead of "ya mismo" people say "ahora mismo". That’s what sounds natural and widely used in everyday speech.