Just in time
Use this to mean 'barely in time,' emphasizing that it was a very close call.
This means 'at the right moment' or 'at the perfect time.' It's very common and interchangeable with 'justo a tiempo'.
A common colloquial phrase, especially in the Southern Cone, meaning you arrived right before the deadline or start time.
We arrived at the airport just in time.
Phew! The food arrived just in time. I'm very hungry.
Thanks for your help. You arrived at the perfect moment.
The bus arrived just in time, I almost missed it.
'Justo a tiempo' is the standard and most understood phrase across all Spanish-speaking countries.
In addition to 'justo a tiempo,' you'll hear 'a la mera hora,' which means 'at the very last minute.' For example, 'Llegaron a la mera hora' (They arrived at the very last minute).
'Sobre la hora' is very common here for arriving right before an event starts or a deadline.
'Justo a tiempo' is standard. A common colloquialism is 'por los pelos' (by a hair), as in 'Llegamos por los pelos' (We made it just in time/by the skin of our teeth).
Using 'en' instead of 'a'. Some learners say 'justo en tiempo'. — The correct preposition is 'a'. Always say 'justo a tiempo'.
Using 'solo' for 'just'. 'Solo a tiempo' translates to 'only in time', which changes the meaning. — Use 'justo' which means 'exactly' or 'precisely' in this context.
Confusing 'tiempo' (time) with 'hora' (hour/time on a clock). Saying 'justo a la hora' is not the common expression. — The fixed phrase uses 'tiempo'. Stick with 'justo a tiempo'.
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