temporal
/tehm-poh-RAHL/
storm
As a noun, temporal means a storm or severe weather event.
📝 In Action
El temporal de lluvia y viento duró toda la noche.
B1The storm of rain and wind lasted all night.
Tuvimos que cancelar el vuelo por un temporal inesperado.
B2We had to cancel the flight due to an unexpected tempest.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Even though it ends in '-al', this noun is masculine: 'el temporal'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Intensity
Use 'temporal' to describe weather that is intense and usually involves strong wind, not just light rain.
As an adjective, temporal means temporary or lasting for a limited time.
temporal(Adjective)
temporary
?lasting for a limited time
,time-related
?related to the concept of time
transient
?not permanent
📝 In Action
Su contrato de trabajo es temporal.
A2His employment contract is temporary.
La vida es corta y nuestras preocupaciones son temporales.
B1Life is short and our worries are temporary/transient.
El poder temporal del Papa está limitado.
C1The temporal power of the Pope is limited.
💡 Grammar Points
Always the Same
Since 'temporal' ends in '-l', it always stays the same regardless of whether the noun it describes is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'el contrato temporal' and 'la solución temporal').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Temporary vs. Time
Mistake: "Using 'tiempo' instead of 'temporal' to mean 'temporary'."
Correction: 'Tiempo' means 'time' or 'weather'. Use 'temporal' or 'provisional' to describe something that is not permanent.
The adjective temporal can also relate to the temples of the head (the anatomical area).
temporal(Adjective)
temporal
?relating to the temples of the head
of the temples
?anatomical description
📝 In Action
El cirujano examinó el hueso temporal del cráneo.
C1The surgeon examined the temporal bone of the skull.
La arteria temporal se encuentra a los lados de la cabeza.
C2The temporal artery is found on the sides of the head.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When used in anatomy, 'temporal' refers to the side of the head, a meaning distinct from its use describing duration.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: temporal
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'temporal' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
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.'