Hasta

Hasta is a common word in Spanish used mainly as a preposition and a conjunction. It denotes the end point of a duration or range, translating roughly as “until,” “up to,” or “as far as.” It can also function as an adverb in certain fixed expressions. Its use spans time, space, and scope within phrases.

In time expressions, hasta marks the limit of an action: hasta mañana (until tomorrow), hasta luego (see you later), and hasta ahora (until now). It can precede a numeral to indicate a maximum: hasta diez personas, hasta cien años. It may also appear with a definite article: hasta la fecha, hasta el final, hasta el extremo, to emphasize the limit.

In clauses, hasta que introduces a statement about a future event and the verb is often in the subjunctive: “No saldré hasta que termine la lluvia.” In sentences describing habitual or completed actions, the indicative can be used after hasta que: “No salgo hasta que termina la campana.” This flexibility makes hasta a versatile marker of timing and progression.

Idiomatic uses include constructions meaning “even,” as in hasta lo imposible, and various time-anchored phrases such as hasta la fecha or hasta el último momento to stress an extreme limit or persistence.

Etymology and classification: the precise origin of hasta is uncertain. It appears early in the history of Romance languages and is treated as a basic functional word in modern Spanish. Some claims connect it to Latin roots, but there is no definitive consensus.

See also: phrases like hasta la vista, hasta mañana, hasta que.