rato
nounCEFR A1High frequency
What does “rato” mean in English?
a while
a while (masc)
Example sentences
Espera un rato, por favor.
Wait a while, please.
Dentro de un rato te llamo.
I'll call you in a bit.
Hace un rato que estoy aquí.
I've been here for a while.
How to use it
Rato means 'a while' / 'a short time'. Masculine: el rato. Used for short, indefinite durations.
Common mistake
Un rato is shorter and more colloquial than un momento. 'Un rato' = a while; 'un momento' = a moment (briefer).