Spanish Phrase
Estamos a tiempo.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the speakers have arrived before the deadline or are not late for the scheduled event. It conveys a sense of relief or confirmation that the timing is correct.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to confirm that you are not late for a meeting, a class, a bus, a concert, or any appointment. It works both in formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Estamosatiempo
Estar (present)
‘Estamos’ is the first‑person plural present of ‘estar’, used for temporary states or locations.
a tiempo
The fixed expression ‘a tiempo’ means ‘on time’ or ‘in time’; it does not change with gender or number.
🗨In Conversation
¿Llegamos a tiempo?
Did we arrive on time?
Sí, estamos a tiempo.
Yes, we’re on time.
✕Common Mistakes
Es a tiempo.
‘Es’ is the third‑person singular of ‘ser’; you need the first‑person plural of ‘estar’ – ‘estamos’.
Estamos en tiempo.
The idiomatic expression is ‘a tiempo’, not ‘en tiempo’.
Estamos al tiempo.
Do not add an article; ‘a tiempo’ is a set phrase without ‘el’ or ‘un’.
↔Alternatives
Llegamos a tiempo.
We arrived on time.
No llegamos tarde.
We didn’t arrive late.
Estamos a tiempo para el concierto.
We’re in time for the concert.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries punctuality is valued, especially for professional or formal events. However, social gatherings can be more relaxed, so ‘a tiempo’ is most common for trains, appointments, classes, and performances. Saying you’re ‘a tiempo’ often earns a nod of approval.