plazo

/PLAH-soh/

deadline

A brightly colored, wrapped present sitting right up against a red ribbon finish line on a desk.

Visualizing plazo as a deadline: the moment a task must be completed.

plazo(noun)

mB1

deadline

date by which something must be finished

due date

date by which payment or task is expected

Also:

time limit

general constraint on duration

📝 In Action

El plazo para entregar el informe es este viernes.

The deadline for submitting the report is this Friday.

No vamos a poder cumplir el plazo si no trabajamos más rápido.

We won't be able to meet the deadline if we don't work faster.

Word Connections

Synonyms

fecha límite (deadline)
vencimiento (expiry)

Common Collocations

cumplir el plazo – to meet the deadline
extender el plazo – to extend the deadline

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'cumplir'

When you successfully finish something by the deadline, you use the verb 'cumplir' (to fulfill or meet): 'Cumplimos el plazo'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'plazo' and 'tiempo'

Mistake: "Using 'tengo mucho plazo' (I have a lot of deadline)."

Correction: Use 'Tengo mucho tiempo' (I have a lot of time) or 'El plazo es amplio' (The deadline is generous).

⭐ Usage Tips

Asking for the Deadline

A simple way to ask is: '¿Cuál es el plazo de entrega?' (What is the delivery deadline?).

A winding path stretching from a small green sprout to a large, mature oak tree, representing a duration.

Visualizing plazo as a term or period of time, shown here as a continuous path of growth.

plazo(noun)

mA2

term

duration or period

period

a length of time

📝 In Action

Esta es una inversión a largo plazo.

This is a long-term investment.

El plan solo funciona a corto plazo.

The plan only works in the short term.

Word Connections

Synonyms

período (period)
duración (duration)

Common Collocations

a largo plazo – long-term
a corto plazo – short-term

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Phrases

The phrases 'a largo plazo' and 'a corto plazo' are fixed prepositional phrases and are extremely common. Memorize them as single units!

Three identical, small money bags lined up sequentially, moving toward a large piggy bank, representing fixed payments.

Visualizing plazo as an installment: fixed sums of money paid regularly over time.

plazo(noun)

mB2

installment

a fixed sum of money paid regularly

term of payment

agreed payment period

📝 In Action

Compramos el televisor a 12 plazos sin intereses.

We bought the TV in 12 interest-free installments.

El primer plazo se paga el mes que viene.

The first installment is paid next month.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cuota (installment/fee)
mensualidad (monthly payment)

Common Collocations

pagar a plazos – to pay in installments
plazo fijo – fixed term (deposit/loan)

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'a'

When talking about paying in installments, you use the preposition 'a': 'Pagar a plazos' (to pay in installments).

⭐ Usage Tips

Financial Context

If you are discussing loans, mortgages, or large purchases, 'plazo' almost always refers to one of the scheduled payments.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: plazo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'plazo' to mean 'installment'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

aplazar(to postpone/defer) - verb

plazoleta(small square) - noun

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).