---
title: "Dates, times, and other shortcuts"
description: "The complete list of words Kairo recognises while you type, with the exact rules for each."
section: "Capture"
keywords: "syntax, natural language, parser, tokens, dates, time, estimate, repeat, hashtag"
canonical: https://kairo.jaimansoni.com/support/quick-add-syntax
---
# Dates, times, and other shortcuts

The complete list of words Kairo recognises while you type, with the exact rules for each.

Source: https://kairo.jaimansoni.com/support/quick-add-syntax
Section: Capture

## Days

| Word | Means |
| --- | --- |
| `today`, `tod` | Today |
| `tomorrow`, `tmr`, `tmrw`, `tom` | Tomorrow |
| `mon` … `sunday` | The **next** one of that weekday |
| `next week` | Next Monday |

> **Heads up:** Weekday words always mean the *next* one. Typing `mon` on a Monday plans it for **next** Monday, not today.

> **Note:** Only the first day word counts. Kairo ignores a second one rather than guessing.

## Times

| You type | Result |
| --- | --- |
| `6pm`, `6 pm`, `at 6pm` | 18:00 |
| `6:30pm` | 18:30 |
| `18:00`, `at 9:30` | That exact time |

A 24-hour time needs the colon (`18:00`) so it isn't confused with an estimate. If you give a time without a day, Kairo plans it for today.

## Deadlines

Write `due` followed by a day word, `due fri`, `due tomorrow`, to set a real deadline instead of a planned day. The two are deliberately different things; see [deadlines vs planned days](https://kairo.jaimansoni.com/support/deadlines).

## Estimates

- `~30m`, `45m`, `2h`, `1h30m` and `1h15` all work.
- A bare number is **not** an estimate, `30` stays in the title. Write `~30` or `30m`.
- Estimates power the day's capacity line and unlock the [focus timer](https://kairo.jaimansoni.com/support/focus-timer).

## Lists and Spotlight

- `#work` files the task into the first list whose name starts with “work”. If nothing matches, the `#word` simply stays in the title.
- A standalone `!` marks the task as a Spotlight must-win. It has to be its own word, `Call mom!` won't do it.

> **Note:** Locked lists are never matched by `#`, and their names are never sent to the AI.

## Repeats

| You type | Rule created |
| --- | --- |
| `daily`, `every day` | Every day |
| `every 3 days` | Every 3 days (1–365) |
| `every mon and wed` | Weekly on those days |
| `weekly` | Weekly on today's weekday |
| `monthly` | Monthly on today's date |

> **Heads up:** `every 2 days` on its own starts **tomorrow**, not today, the first occurrence is one interval from now. Add `today` if you want it to start immediately.

## Everything else stays in the title

Anything Kairo doesn't recognise is left alone, in the order you typed it. You never have to escape or quote normal words.