In Spanish, entonces is a consequence connector that people use to express how an action is the result of another one.
When speaking English or Spanish, connectors help you to point out or establish the relation between 2 sentences.
They make texts easy to read and what you say is easy to understand.
Reading the explanation below will help you to learn how to use entonces accurately in no time!
How to use “entonces”
Entonces is the Spanish word for “so” and “then”.
Grammarly speaking, there are only three ways you can use entonces.
After a period and with a comma after the connector. Second, between a semicolon and a comma. And third, just after a comma.
Let’s see some examples below for each case:
Estábamos asustados. Entonces, nos fuimos corriendo.
We were scared. So, we ran away.
Comimos demasiado, entonces, no pudimos ir a jugar fútbol.
We ate too much, so, we couldn’t go to play soccer.
No iré a trabajar hoy, entonces te veo mañana.
I will not go to work today, so I see you tomorrow.
Te veo a las 8:00 PM, entonces.
I see you at 8:00 PM, then.
“Entonces” as a time adverbial
Entonces can also mean in Spanish en aquella época or en aquel momento. In this case, entonces express a timeframe or a moment.
Also, if you use entonces to refer to a period of time, that time could have been mentioned in the conversation or not.
The English equivalent for entonces is also “at that time”.
- Take a look at the examples below to get a better idea!
Cuando tenía 25 años, visité muchos paises. En ese entonces, tenía mucho tiempo para viajar.
When I was 25 years old, I visited many countries. At that time, I had a lot of time to travel.
Hace tiempo, el abuelo llamaba desde una cabina telefónica. En ese entonces, no existían los teléfonos móviles.
A long time ago, grandpa called from a telephone box. At that time, mobile phones didn’t exist.
- Additionally, you could use entonces in other set phrases like the following:
Hasta entonces.
Up till then.
Por aquel entonces.
Back then.
Desde entonces.
Since then.
En aquel entonces.
At that time.
“Entonces” as a filler word
Many Spanish speakers use entonces as a filler word or muletilla as they call it.
This time, entonces has no significant effects on the meaning of the sentence.
Sometimes, Spanish speakers just use entonces to catch listeners’ attention before asking a question.
- Let’s see some examples below!
Entonces, ¿llamamos un taxi para irnos a casa?
So, do we call a cab to go home?
Entonces, ¿crees que deberíamos comprar un carro nuevo?
So, do you think we should buy a new car?
Entonces, ¿donde está la agencia de viajes?
So, where is the travel agency?
The adjective “entonces”
Last but not less important, you can also use entonces as an adjective.
Yes, you heard that right. Since entonces can determine a moment or timeframe, you can use it as an adjective if you place it before the noun.
El entonces director de la empresa aprobó el proyecto acerca de la equidad laboral.
The company’s principal at the time approved the project on labor equality.
El entonces rey de Inglaterra firmó la paz con su adversario.
The then king of England signed peace with his adversary.
As you can see, the adjective entonces expresses “what it used to be” and always goes before the noun.
Spanish adverbials
Now you know how to use entonces, you can stand out and show your fluent Spanish.
Keep in mind that filler words don’t add substantial meaning to a sentence.
Don’t stop adding new words to your vocabulary and making the most of this beautiful language.
¡Hasta Entonces!