Spanish Phrase
¿Tienes la hora?
Meaning
This is a standard and informal way to ask someone for the current time in Spanish. While it literally translates to 'Do you have the hour?', it functions exactly like the English equivalent 'Do you have the time?'. It is a versatile phrase used daily across the Spanish-speaking world.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual settings when approaching a friend, acquaintance, or someone of a similar age in public to inquire about the clock time. It is perfect for situations like waiting at a bus stop or walking in the street.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Tieneslahora?
Tienes
The second-person singular (tú) form of the verb 'tener', meaning 'to have'.
La hora
'Hora' is a feminine noun meaning hour or time, which is why the feminine article 'la' is used.
🗨In Conversation
Perdona, ¿tienes la hora?
Excuse me, do you have the time?
Sí, son las cinco y media.
Yes, it is five-thirty.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Tienes el tiempo?
In Spanish, 'el tiempo' refers to time as a general concept or the weather; use 'la hora' for clock time.
¿Qué es la hora?
This is a literal translation of 'What is the time?' which sounds unnatural; use '¿Qué hora es?' or '¿Tienes la hora?' instead.
↔Alternatives
¿Qué hora es?
What time is it?
¿Tiene la hora?
Do you (formal) have the time?
¿Me podría decir la hora?
Could you tell me the time?
Cultural Tip
When asking a stranger for the time, it is polite to precede the question with a greeting like 'Disculpa' (Excuse me) or 'Perdone'. In formal situations or when speaking to elderly people, remember to use the formal 'Tiene' instead of the informal 'Tienes' to show respect.