Learn Spanish Online: Don’t be confused when using the word “mañana” in Spanish.

Learning a new language can be exciting and challenging. Many words in Spanish are versatile and can be difficult when learning the language. Understanding the various meanings of a word can be crucial for effective communication.

A word that tends to create confusion among Spanish students is mañana, which can mean the day after today or a part of the day. And for many Spanish learners, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate.

Before looking at that difference, it is important to mention that the context provides clues for understanding. Analyzing surrounding words can help with unfamiliar ones.

 

Mañana as a part of the day:

Now, getting down to business, when we want to talk about the word mañana meaning morning, in most cases, we must use the definite articles la or las.

So, if we are talking about a specific morning, we use “la mañana“. Look at some examples:

 

• Yo me despierto a las 7:00 de la mañana.
  I woke up at 7:00 in the morning.
• Tengo que comprar café por la mañana.
  I need to buy coffee in the morning.

• Yo aprendo español en línea los martes y jueves por la mañana.
  I learn Spanish online on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
  

 

 

If, according to the context, we refer to several mornings, then we must use the plural form: “las mañanas“. Look at some examples:

 

• Me gusta comer avena en las mañanas frías.
  I like to eat oatmeal on cold mornings.

• Tengo que tomar una pastilla todas las mañanas.
  I have to take a pill every morning.
• El hotel siempre ofrece un desayuno buffet por las mañanas.
  The hotel always offers a buffet breakfast in the mornings.

 

 

We do not add the article to the word “mañana” when it is accompanied by the demonstrative adjectives esta, esa, aquella and neither when it goes with the determiner cada. Like this:

– Esta mañana. (This morning)

– Esa mañana. (That morning)

– Aquella mañana.  (That morning)

– Cada mañana. (Each morning)

 

If you want to learn about the difference between esa and aquella, contact us and learn Spanish online with us!

Look at the examples: 

• Esta mañana me desperté muy temprano.
  I woke up very early this morning.

• Yo trabajé muy poco esa mañana.
  I worked very little that morning.

• Yo estaba muy enfermo aquella mañana.
  I was very sick that morning.

• Cada mañana veo las noticias.
  I see the news every morning.

 

Mañana as the day after today:

Now, when using the word “mañana” as “tomorrow”, the structure is much simpler. We only use the word mañana, without the article.

Look at the examples:

• ¡Hasta mañana!
  Until tomorrow!

• Mañana debo ir al dentista.
  I need to go to the dentist tomorrow.

• ¿Tienes planes mañana?
  Do you have plans tomorrow?

• Mañana empiezo a aprender español en línea.
  Tomorrow I’ll start to learn Spanish online.

 

 

It’s clear now? Remember that you can also combine the two words in a sentence.

 

• Nuestra próxima clase es mañana en la mañana.
  Our next lesson is tomorrow morning.

• Mañana tendré la mañana libre.
  Tomorrow I will have the morning off.

• Esta mañana no hice ejercicio, pero mañana sí haré.
  I didn’t exercise this morning, but tomorrow I will.

 

Now that you know how to identify the uses of this word, it’s your turn to practice. Leave us in the comments other examples in Spanish using “mañana”.

If you still have questions or want to practice with a professional, contact us at the following link. Learn Spanish online, Learn Spanish Now!