Spanish Phrase
¿A la 1:00 estás libre?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the listener has no commitments at 1:00 and is therefore available. It is a polite way to check someone's schedule before proposing a meeting or activity.
When to use
Use this question when you want to arrange a coffee, a study session, or any appointment and need to confirm the other person's availability at a specific hour.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Ala1:00estáslibre?
A (preposition for time)
Use 'a' to indicate a point in time when something will happen.
la (definite article with hour)
When telling time, use 'la' for 1 o'clock (singular) and 'las' for other hours.
estás (estar, 2nd person singular)
Estar expresses a temporary state; here it asks about current availability.
libre (adjective)
Libre means 'free' in the sense of having no plans; it agrees in gender and number with the subject.
🗨In Conversation
¿A la 1:00 estás libre?
Are you free at 1:00?
Sí, estoy libre. ¿Qué tienes en mente?
Yes, I'm free. What do you have in mind?
✕Common Mistakes
¿A las 1:00 estás libre?
Use 'la' (singular) for 1 o'clock; 'las' is for 2 o'clock and above.
¿A la 1:00 eres libre?
Use 'estar' for temporary states like availability, not 'ser'.
¿A la 1:00 estás libre?
While 'una' is correct, mixing the numeral '1:00' with the article 'la' can sound odd; choose one format.
↔Alternatives
¿Tienes tiempo a la 1?
Do you have time at 1?
¿Puedes a la 1:00?
Can you (make it) at 1:00?
¿Te viene bien a la una?
Does 1 o'clock work for you?
Cultural Tip
In Spanish‑speaking countries, punctuality is valued but social gatherings often start a few minutes later than the stated time. When you say 'a la 1:00', native speakers will understand both the 12‑hour and 24‑hour formats, but it's more common to say 'a la una' rather than 'a la 1:00'. Also, remember to use 'la' for 1 o'clock (singular) and 'las' for any other hour (e.g., 'a las tres').