Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Early in Spanish: Temprano
Temprano · adverb / adjective · tehm-PRAH-noh
Temprano is the go-to Spanish word for early. As an adverb it is invariable; as an adjective (edad temprana) it agrees with the noun.
tehm-PRAH-noh
Me levanté temprano para ver el amanecer.
I got up early to watch the sunrise.
Early in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for early, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| temprano | early | tehm-PRAH-noh | Default, widely understood |
| pronto | early | early in the sense of soon | |
| anticipado | early | ahead of schedule |
How Native Speakers Use Temprano
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Morning routine
Siempre llego temprano al trabajo para evitar el tráfico.
I always arrive early to work to avoid traffic.
Temprano as an adverb does not change form regardless of the subject.
Adjective use
A una edad temprana, ya mostraba talento para la música.
At an early age, she already showed talent for music.
As an adjective, temprano agrees in gender: edad temprana (feminine).
Comparative
Hoy me desperté más temprano que ayer.
Today I woke up earlier than yesterday.
Más temprano is the comparative form (earlier).
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Temprano
Using temprano for the early chapters
Incorrect: Los tempranos capítulos del libro son aburridos.
Correct: Los primeros capítulos del libro son aburridos.
When early means first or initial (not time-related), use primero.
Confusing temprano with pronto
Incorrect: Llegó pronto a la cita. (meaning early)
Correct: Llegó temprano a la cita.
Pronto means soon (future). Temprano means early (before expected time).
Lock in Early Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Temprano used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using temprano in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Me levanté temprano para ver el amanecer. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Early in Spanish
- How do you say early in Spanish?
- Early in Spanish is temprano. It works as adverb (me levanté temprano) and adjective (edad temprana).
- What is the difference between temprano and pronto?
- Temprano = early (before expected time). Pronto = soon (in the near future). Not synonyms.
- How do you say too early in Spanish?
- Too early is demasiado temprano. Example: Es demasiado temprano para llamar.