parcial
/par-syal/
partial
A puzzle with missing pieces represents something that is 'parcial' or incomplete.
📝 In Action
Hubo un eclipse parcial de sol ayer.
A2There was a partial solar eclipse yesterday.
El proyecto tuvo un éxito parcial.
B1The project had partial success.
💡 Grammar Points
One Form for Both
This word doesn't change based on gender. You can use it with both 'el' (masculine) and 'la' (feminine) words without changing the ending.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't say 'parciale'
Mistake: "Un éxito parciale."
Correction: Un éxito parcial. The word naturally ends in 'l' and doesn't need an extra 'e' added to it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Placement
In most cases, place 'parcial' after the noun it describes, like 'resultado parcial'.
In many Spanish-speaking countries, a midterm exam is called a 'parcial'.
parcial(noun)
midterm
?an exam during the school term
partial exam
?test covering only part of the course material
📝 In Action
Tengo que estudiar mucho para el parcial de historia.
B1I have to study a lot for the history midterm.
¿Cuándo entregan las notas del primer parcial?
B1When are the grades for the first midterm being released?
⭐ Usage Tips
School Talk
If you hear a student say 'el parcial', they are almost certainly talking about a test, not an incomplete result.
When someone is biased or favors one side, they are being 'parcial'.
📝 In Action
Los aficionados pensaron que el árbitro fue muy parcial.
B2The fans thought the referee was very biased.
No puedes dar una opinión parcial en un juicio.
C1You cannot give a biased opinion in a trial.
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember 'Imparcial'
The opposite, 'imparcial' (unbiased), is actually used more often than 'parcial' in formal settings.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: parcial
Question 1 of 2
If a student says 'Tengo un parcial mañana', what are they doing tomorrow?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'parcial' be used for people?
Yes, but only in the sense of being biased. If you say someone is 'parcial', you mean they are taking sides. To say someone is 'incomplete' or 'partially there', you would use different phrases.
Is 'parcial' the same in all Spanish-speaking countries?
Generally, yes. However, using 'el parcial' to mean a 'midterm exam' is especially common in university culture across Latin America and Spain.