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temporal

tehm-poh-RAHL/tem.poˈɾal/

storm, tempest

Also: gale
NounmB1
Spain
A dramatic scene of a heavy rainstorm with lightning flashing across a dark, turbulent sky over a rough sea.

📝 In Action

El temporal de lluvia y viento duró toda la noche.

B1

The storm of rain and wind lasted all night.

Tuvimos que cancelar el vuelo por un temporal inesperado.

B2

We had to cancel the flight due to an unexpected tempest.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • temporal marítimo – sea storm
  • temporal de nieve – snow storm

temporary, time-related

Also: transient
Adjectivem/fB1
A detailed sandcastle built on a beach, with a small wave just beginning to wash away its foundation, symbolizing limited time.

📝 In Action

Su contrato de trabajo es temporal.

A2

His employment contract is temporary.

La vida es corta y nuestras preocupaciones son temporales.

B1

Life is short and our worries are temporary/transient.

El poder temporal del Papa está limitado.

C1

The temporal power of the Pope is limited.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • solución temporal – temporary solution
  • alojamiento temporal – temporary housing

temporal

Also: of the temples
Adjectivem/fC1 formal
A simple profile illustration of a human head with a small, subtle highlight on the temple area near the eye and ear.

📝 In Action

El cirujano examinó el hueso temporal del cráneo.

C1

The surgeon examined the temporal bone of the skull.

La arteria temporal se encuentra a los lados de la cabeza.

C2

The temporal artery is found on the sides of the head.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • lóbulo temporal – temporal lobe
  • arteria temporal – temporal artery

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: temporal

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'temporal' as a noun?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *temporalis*. This single root gave rise to two main concepts: relating to *tempus* (time, duration, or weather) and relating to *tempora* (the temples, or sides of the head).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: temporalFrench: temporel

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Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'temporal' (adjetivo) y 'temporario'?

Both mean 'temporary.' 'Temporal' is used across all Spanish-speaking regions and is more common in formal contexts (like job contracts). 'Temporario' is frequently used in some Latin American countries, particularly Argentina and Uruguay.

How can I tell if 'temporal' means 'storm' or 'temporary'?

If it is used with the article 'el' (El temporal), it is usually the masculine noun meaning 'storm.' If it is describing a noun (La solución temporal), it is the adjective meaning 'temporary.'