Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say How Long in Spanish
¿Cuánto tiempo? · phrase · KWAHN-toh TYEM-poh
The most common way to say 'how long' in Spanish is '¿cuánto tiempo?' when asking about duration, or '¿cuánto dura?' when asking how long something lasts. If asking about physical length, '¿qué tan largo?' or '¿cuánto mide de largo?' is appropriate. The right phrasing depends on whether you mean time or physical measurement.
¿Cuánto tiempo? is pronounced KWAHN-toh TYEM-poh. The stress in 'cuánto' falls on the first syllable, and 'tiempo' is stressed on 'tiem.' The opening ¿ signals a question in written Spanish.
¿Cuánto tiempo tarda el vuelo a Madrid?
How long does the flight to Madrid take?
How Long in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for how long, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿cuánto tiempo? | how long | KWAHN-toh TYEM-poh | Default, widely understood |
| ¿cuánto dura? | how long | asking about duration of an event | |
| ¿qué tan largo? | how long | asking about physical length |
How Native Speakers Use ¿Cuánto tiempo?
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Travel duration
¿Cuánto tiempo se tarda en llegar al aeropuerto?
How long does it take to get to the airport?
Asking about travel time to a destination.
Event duration
¿Cuánto dura la película?
How long is the movie?
Inquiring about the length of a film or show.
Physical length
¿Qué tan largo es el puente?
How long is the bridge?
Asking about the physical measurement of a structure.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using ¿Cuánto tiempo?
Literal translation
Incorrect: ¿Cómo largo es el viaje?
Correct: ¿Cuánto tiempo dura el viaje?
Translating 'how long' word-for-word as 'cómo largo' does not work in Spanish; you need '¿cuánto tiempo?' for duration questions.
Mixing up duration and length
Incorrect: ¿Cuánto tiempo mide la cuerda?
Correct: ¿Cuánto mide de largo la cuerda?
When asking about physical length, use '¿cuánto mide de largo?' rather than '¿cuánto tiempo?', which refers only to time.
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Common Questions About How Long in Spanish
- When should I use '¿cuánto tiempo?' vs '¿cuánto dura?'?
- Both phrases ask about duration, but '¿cuánto tiempo?' is more general and can be paired with different verbs, while '¿cuánto dura?' specifically asks how long something lasts from start to finish.
- How do I ask 'how long ago' in Spanish?
- To ask 'how long ago,' use '¿hace cuánto tiempo?' — for example, '¿Hace cuánto tiempo que vives aquí?' means 'How long have you lived here?'
- Can I use '¿qué tan largo?' for time?
- In most dialects, '¿qué tan largo?' refers to physical length rather than time, so using it for duration can sound unnatural — stick with '¿cuánto tiempo?' for time-related questions.