Introduction
When learning Spanish, understanding how to express time and temporal references is essential for natural communication. One particularly useful phrase that helps Spanish learners talk about the past is por entonces, which translates to around then or at that time. This expression is invaluable when you want to describe events that happened during a specific period without being too precise about exact dates. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how por entonces works, when to use it, and how it fits into the broader landscape of Spanish temporal expressions.
What Does Por Entonces Mean?
Por entonces is a Spanish phrase composed of two parts: the preposition por, which often indicates duration or approximation, and the adverb entonces, meaning then or at that time. When combined, por entonces creates an expression that refers to a period around a specific time in the past. It’s commonly used to indicate that something happened approximately during a certain era or period without specifying the exact date.
The literal translation might be something like during that time or around then, making it perfect for discussing historical events, personal memories, or any situation where you remember the general timeframe but not the precise moment. This phrase is particularly common in Spanish narratives and conversations where speakers reflect on past experiences.
How to Use Por Entonces in Context
Understanding the practical application of por entonces requires looking at real examples. The phrase typically appears in a sentence where you’re referencing a time period rather than a specific date. Here are some common patterns:
Por entonces, muchas personas viajaban en tren en lugar de en avión.
(Around that time, many people traveled by train instead of by plane.)
In this example, por entonces establishes a temporal frame for the statement that follows. The speaker isn’t saying exactly when this was, just providing an approximate period when this behavior was common.
Another example might be:
Por entonces, yo estudiaba en la universidad y no tenía mucho dinero.
(Back then, I was studying at university and didn’t have much money.)
Here, the speaker uses por entonces to reference a general time period in their own life. Notice that the verb estudiaba is in the imperfect tense, which pairs naturally with temporal expressions that discuss ongoing situations in the past.
Por Entonces vs. Other Spanish Time Expressions
Spanish offers several ways to express time and periods in the past. Understanding how por entonces differs from similar expressions helps you choose the most appropriate phrase for your situation.
Por entonces vs. Entonces
The simple word entonces by itself means then, but it typically refers to a more specific moment. Por entonces, with the preposition por, emphasizes the approximate nature of the timeframe. When you say entonces alone, you’re indicating a particular point in time, but por entonces suggests a range or period around that point.
Entonces, vi a mi antiguo amigo en la calle.
(Then, I saw my old friend on the street.)
Por entonces, solía ver a mi antiguo amigo frecuentemente.
(Around that time, I used to see my old friend frequently.)
Por entonces vs. En aquella época
The phrase en aquella época means in that era or during that period. Like por entonces, it references a broader timeframe rather than a specific moment. However, en aquella época feels more formal and is often used in historical contexts or more literary writing. Por entonces is slightly more conversational and flexible in usage.
En aquella época, la tecnología era muy diferente.
(In that era, technology was very different.)
Por entonces, la tecnología era muy diferente.
(Around that time, technology was very different.)
Por entonces vs. Hace años
The expression hace años means years ago and specifies duration from the present moment to the past event. Por entonces, in contrast, doesn’t emphasize the distance from the present. Instead, it references a time period when other things were happening. Hace años is more precise about the temporal distance, while por entonces is vaguer about when exactly something occurred.
Verb Tenses Used with Por Entonces
Certain verb tenses naturally pair with por entonces because they describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. The most common tense used with this expression is the imperfect tense, which indicates repeated or continuous past actions.
Por entonces, viajaba constantemente por trabajo.
(Around that time, I traveled constantly for work.)
The imperfect tense viajaba works perfectly with por entonces because both express an ongoing situation during a specific period. The simple past tense (preterite) can also be used, though it typically emphasizes a completed action rather than a duration.
Por entonces, recibí una oferta de empleo inesperada.
(Around that time, I received an unexpected job offer.)
The key is matching the verb tense to the type of action or state you’re describing. Continuous or habitual actions pair best with the imperfect, while completed single events use the preterite.
Cultural and Practical Considerations
Using por entonces effectively requires understanding not just the grammar, but also how Spanish speakers use this phrase in real communication. In conversation, por entonces often signals that the speaker is about to share a memory or historical reference where the exact timing is less important than the context.
Spanish speakers frequently use por entonces when reminiscing about earlier times in their lives or discussing historical periods. The phrase carries a nostalgic or reflective tone, making it particularly useful in storytelling contexts. When someone says por entonces, listeners understand that they’re entering a narrative about the past that may be somewhat loosely bound to specific dates.
This expression is also common in Spanish literature, journalism, and historical writing where authors need to establish a timeframe for their discussion without providing exact dates. Understanding how professional Spanish writers use por entonces can help learners recognize and use the phrase more naturally.
Examples in Different Contexts
Let’s examine how por entonces appears in various real-world contexts to solidify your understanding.
Personal Narratives
Por entonces, teníamos un perro muy juguetón que nos hacía reír todos los días.
(Around that time, we had a very playful dog that made us laugh every day.)
In personal narratives, por entonces helps set the scene for memories and stories about one’s own past.
Historical References
Por entonces, la industrialización estaba transformando rápidamente la sociedad europea.
(Around that time, industrialization was rapidly transforming European society.)
When discussing history, por entonces establishes the temporal setting for describing major social, political, or economic changes.
Professional or Academic Contexts
Por entonces, el mercado de tecnología comenzaba a explotar con nuevas innovaciones.
(Around that time, the technology market was beginning to boom with new innovations.)
In professional writing, por entonces helps readers understand the timeframe relevant to business or academic discussions.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even intermediate Spanish learners sometimes misuse por entonces. Here are common errors and corrections:
Mistake: Using por entonces with specific dates
Incorrect: Por entonces en 1985, viajé a España.
Correct: En 1985, viajé a España. (In 1985, I traveled to Spain.)
Since por entonces implies approximation rather than precision, pairing it with specific dates contradicts its meaning. When you have an exact date, simply use en followed by the year or date.
Mistake: Overusing por entonces in quick succession
Incorrect: Por entonces era niño. Por entonces iba a la escuela. Por entonces tenía amigos.
Better: Por entonces era niño, iba a la escuela y tenía muchos amigos.
Rather than repeating the phrase for every sentence, use it once to establish the timeframe and continue with multiple related actions in that same period.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of por entonces, try creating sentences using this expression. Think about a specific period in your own life and describe what was happening around that time. Use the imperfect tense to describe ongoing situations or habits:
Por entonces, [your ongoing action or state] durante [time period].
For example:
Por entonces, trabajaba como profesor en una escuela pequeña.
Try translating these English sentences into Spanish using por entonces:
Around that time, everyone was excited about the new technology.
Back then, my family lived in a different city.
During that period, people traveled less frequently.
Conclusion
Por entonces is a valuable Spanish expression that allows learners to reference approximate time periods in the past with ease and naturalness. By understanding its meaning, learning when to use it in contrast to other temporal expressions, and recognizing which verb tenses pair best with it, you can significantly enhance your ability to discuss the past in Spanish. Remember that por entonces conveys approximation rather than precision, making it ideal for narratives, reminiscences, and historical discussions. With practice and attention to real Spanish usage, this expression will become a natural part of your Spanish communication toolkit. Whether you’re telling stories about your own past or discussing historical events, por entonces helps you establish context and meaning for your listeners while maintaining authentic, natural Spanish expression.
