How to Say ‘Yes, but nine o'clock is very early.’ in Mexican Spanish
Sí, pero a las nueve es muy temprano.
see PEH-roh ah lahs NWEH-beh ess mwee tem-PRAH-noh
[see PEH-roh ah lahs NWEH-beh ess mwee tem-PRAH-noh]
🇲🇽 In Mexico: Starting with sí, pero softens disagreement, which is how Mexicans usually push back at work rather than saying a flat no.
Phrase Breakdown
Sí, pero a las nueve
see PEH-roh ah lahs NWEH-beh
Yes, but at nine
'Sí' with an accent means 'yes'. Pause lightly after it.
Sí, pero a las nueve no puedo.
Yes, but I can't at nine.
Words in this phrase
Sí
[see]
yes
Basic word used to give an affirmative answer.
Sí, me interesa conocer más vacantes.
Yes, I'm interested in learning about more openings.
pero
[PEH-roh]
but
A conjunction used to introduce contrast or additional information.
Trabajo en marketing, «Pero» busco un cambio.
I work in marketing, “but” I am looking for a change.
a
[ah]
at
Used before clock times to say when something happens.
Salgo a las cinco.
I leave at five.
las
[lahs]
the
Plural definite article used with plural nouns like 'gracias.'
"las" palabras de tu mensaje fueron muy profesionales.
The words in your message were very professional.
nueve
[NWEH-beh]
nine
The number 9; with 'las' it means nine o'clock.
Llegamos a las nueve.
We arrive at nine.
es muy temprano.
ess mwee tem-PRAH-noh
is very early.
'Temprano' means early. Stress 'PRA'.
Hoy me levanté muy temprano.
Today I got up very early.
Words in this phrase
es
[ess]
it is
Used to describe a person, group, or culture.
En «Es cercana.», «Es» introduce la descripción.
In “It is close-knit,” “Es” introduces the description.
muy
[mwee]
very
An adverb used to intensify an adjective or description.
«Muy» da más fuerza a la idea en «Es muy humana».
“Muy” gives more strength to the idea in “It is very human.”
temprano
[tem-PRAH-noh]
early
Adverb meaning before the usual or expected time.
Me levanto temprano.
I get up early.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Moved to Mexico City for work and needed to get conversational fast. Two weeks of daily practice and I was ordering tacos and negotiating with my landlord in Spanish.”
David K., 35, Startup Founder
“I spent a month backpacking through Colombia and this app was a lifesaver. The lessons meant I could handle real situations from day one.”
Rachel T., 26, Travel Blogger
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer