adverbconjunction

entonces

then

Se usa para indicar que algo ocurre después de otra cosa o como resultado de una situación.

Definition & meaning

Entonces has several related meanings:

Then / at that time: refers to a time already mentioned or understood.
Example: “I lived there then.”
Then / next: marks the next event in a sequence.
Example: “First we ate; then we left.”
So / therefore: introduces a conclusion or consequence.
Example: “It was late, so we went home.”
In that case: introduces a result or action that follows from a situation.
Example: “If that is true, then we should wait.”

The precise meaning depends on context and punctuation.

Grammar & Word origin

Entonces is an invariable adverb, so its form does not change. It can refer to time or connect ideas, introducing a consequence or conclusion.

Historically, it developed from older Spanish forms related to Latin in tunc, meaning “at that time.” It is not normally divided into parts in modern Spanish.

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no single synonym that fits every use:

luego can mean “then” in a sequence, but it often emphasizes what happens next.
así que and por tanto mean “so” or “therefore”; they express a consequence more explicitly and do not usually refer to a past time.
en ese caso means “in that case” and is most suitable for conditional situations.
pues can introduce a conclusion or transition, but it is often more conversational.

There is no exact antonym for entonces. antes (“before”) can contrast with it when it refers to a time. ahora (“now”) can contrast with it when it refers to a past or other previously mentioned time.