hasta ahora
Lemma Details
Translation: until now; so far; up to now; up until now; thus far
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: Composed of 'hasta' (until, up to) and 'ahora' (now). 'Hasta' comes from Arabic 'ḥattà' meaning 'until', while 'ahora' derives from Latin 'ad horam' meaning 'at this hour'. The combination creates a temporal expression indicating the period from some point in the past up to the present moment.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hasta' as 'up to' and 'ahora' as 'now' = 'up to now'
- Visualize a timeline with 'hasta' drawing a line from the past to 'ahora' (now)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is widely used in both casual conversation and formal contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It's a standard way to refer to the present moment as the endpoint of a period that began in the past.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Hasta ahora' refers to the period from the past until the present moment, while 'por ahora' means 'for now' or 'for the time being', indicating a temporary state.
Notes: 'Hasta ahora' looks backward from the present, while 'por ahora' looks at the present as a temporary state.
Mnemonic: 'Hasta' points to a timeline (up to now), while 'por' suggests a temporary duration (for now).
Explanation: 'Hasta ahora' is about time up to the present, while 'hasta luego' is a farewell expression meaning 'see you later'.
Confused word:
Me tengo que ir, hasta luego.
I have to go, see you later.
Notes: Both phrases start with 'hasta' but have completely different functions and contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Ahora' refers to now (the present), while 'luego' refers to later (the future).