Mexico: Five ways Mexicans avoid using the word no

Written By Susana Riggs

Ahorita

Literally meaning “little now,” ahorita generally means that something may or may not happen in the near or distant future. For example, if a child is told to do their homework, rather than say no, they might say ahorita.

When I first arrived it confused me to no end. I asked if the ice cream seller had chocolate and she said she had run out but would be getting some “ahorita.” Me thinking, well, ahorita must mean “right now” so I waited…and I waited until I realized that ahorita, for all intents and purposes, means no. Ahorita can be interchanged with “al rato” (in a bit) to confuse the situation just a little more.

Examples from my life:

Me: “Is the doctor here?”
Receptionist: “Ahorita llega.” Translation: No, but he will be here at some indeterminate time in the future.

Me: “Would you like some cake?”
Mother in Law: “Ahorita.” Translation: No, not right now Read Article