"Un rato" is a noun phrase in Spanish.
/ un ˈrato /
"Un rato" is often used in Spanish to refer to a short, indeterminate period of time. It can imply a brief interruption or a pause in an activity. The phrase is commonly used in both oral speech and written context, but it is more frequently encountered in casual conversation.
"Voy a descansar un rato."
"I am going to rest for a while."
"¿Puedes esperar un rato?"
"Can you wait for a bit?"
"Estuve estudiando un rato antes de cenar."
"I was studying for a moment before dinner."
The phrase "un rato" is part of several idiomatic expressions in the Spanish language. Here are some notable ones:
"De un rato a otro."
Meaning: From one moment to another; unexpectedly.
Example: "De un rato a otro, empezó a llover."
Translation: "From one moment to another, it started to rain."
"Un rato largo."
Meaning: A long while.
Example: "Estuve esperando un rato largo por el bus."
Translation: "I waited a long while for the bus."
"Hacer algo por un rato."
Meaning: To do something for a period of time.
Example: "Vamos a jugar por un rato."
Translation: "Let's play for a while."
"Un rato más."
Meaning: A little longer.
Example: "Quédemonos un rato más."
Translation: "Let's stay a little longer."
"Un rato y nos vamos."
Meaning: Just a while and then we leave.
Example: "Un rato y nos vamos a casa."
Translation: "Just a while and then we are going home."
The term "rato" comes from the Latin word "rătus," which means "rate" or "a measure," evolving over time to denote a short period or moment in Spanish.
Synonyms: - Un momento (a moment) - Un instante (an instant) - Un periodo corto (a short period)
Antonyms: - Mucho tiempo (a long time) - Una eternidad (an eternity) - Un largo periodo (a long period)