The Spanish word "tiempo" (meaning "time") comes directly from the Latin word "tempus", which meant "time, moment, or occasion". As Latin evolved into Spanish, the word underwent typical sound changes: the "mp" consonant cluster simplified to "m", and the final "-us" ending was replaced with "-o", a common pattern in Spanish masculine nouns derived from Latin.

Several common Spanish words and expressions are derived from "tiempo", including "temporal" (temporary), "contemporáneo" (contemporary), and "contratiempo" (setback). The word is also used in many everyday phrases like "a tiempo" (on time) and "hace tiempo" (a while ago).

English speakers can connect "tiempo" to several familiar English words that also come from Latin "tempus", such as "temporal" (relating to time), "temporary" (lasting for a limited time), "tempo" (speed of music), and "contemporary" (belonging to the same time). The word "tense" in grammar also comes from Latin "tempus", as it refers to the time of an action.