hueco horario
Lemma Details
Translation: time slot; free period; gap in schedule; time gap
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Combines 'hueco' (gap, hollow, empty space) from Latin 'occus' (hollow) and 'horario' (schedule, timetable) from Latin 'horarius' (relating to hours). The phrase literally means 'schedule gap' and refers to an empty or available period in one's timetable.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tengo un hueco horario entre las dos y las cuatro de la tarde.
I have a free time slot between two and four in the afternoon.
¿Tienes algún hueco horario para reunirnos mañana?
Do you have any time slot available to meet tomorrow?
Aprovecho los huecos horarios para estudiar.
I take advantage of the free periods to study.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hueco' as a 'hole' in your schedule where you can fit something in.
- Imagine an hourglass ('horario') with an empty space ('hueco') where sand should be - that's your free time slot.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in academic and professional settings in Spanish-speaking countries when discussing scheduling. The concept of finding and utilizing 'huecos horarios' is important in cultures where schedules might be more flexible or where people need to maximize productivity between appointments.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'hueco horario' refers to a gap or free period in a schedule, 'hora hueca' (literally 'hollow hour') is less common and might be interpreted as an unproductive or wasted hour.
Confused word:
Esa clase fue una hora hueca, no aprendimos nada.
That class was a wasted hour, we didn't learn anything.
Notes: The order of words matters in Spanish noun phrases - the main noun typically comes first, with modifiers following.
Mnemonic: 'Hueco horario' has 'horario' (schedule) as the main noun, meaning it's about your timetable; 'hora hueca' has 'hora' (hour) as the main noun, focusing on the quality of that specific time.
Explanation: 'Hueco horario' specifically refers to a gap or slot in a schedule, while 'tiempo libre' means 'free time' more generally and doesn't necessarily imply being surrounded by other commitments.
Notes: 'Hueco horario' is more commonly used in professional or academic contexts, while 'tiempo libre' is used in more casual, personal contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'hueco horario' as a specific hole in your calendar, while 'tiempo libre' is general leisure time.