plazo
“plazo” means “deadline” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
deadline, due date
Also: time limit
📝 In Action
El plazo para entregar el informe es este viernes.
B1The deadline for submitting the report is this Friday.
No vamos a poder cumplir el plazo si no trabajamos más rápido.
B2We won't be able to meet the deadline if we don't work faster.
term, period
📝 In Action
Esta es una inversión a largo plazo.
A2This is a long-term investment.
El plan solo funciona a corto plazo.
B1The plan only works in the short term.
installment, term of payment
📝 In Action
Compramos el televisor a 12 plazos sin intereses.
B2We bought the TV in 12 interest-free installments.
El primer plazo se paga el mes que viene.
B2The first installment is paid next month.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: plazo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'plazo' to mean 'installment'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin term *placitum*, which meant 'an agreement' or 'a decree'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the specific period of time or date agreed upon for that decree or agreement to be fulfilled.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'plazo' only used for official deadlines?
No, while it is common in formal settings (school, work, finance), you can also use it informally, but it always implies a time constraint or a scheduled period.
What is the difference between 'plazo' and 'tiempo'?
'Tiempo' is general time (like 'time' in English). 'Plazo' is a specific, limited period of time that has a clear start and end, often set by an agreement or regulation (a deadline or term).