terminal
/tehr-mee-NAHL/
terminal
A transport hub, such as a bus or train terminal.
terminal(noun)
terminal
?transport hub
,station
?bus or train stop
depot
?storage or dispatch center
📝 In Action
Llegamos a la terminal de autobuses una hora antes de la salida.
A2We arrived at the bus terminal one hour before departure.
La terminal 2 del aeropuerto está muy lejos de aquí.
B1Airport Terminal 2 is very far from here.
Hay que cambiar de tren en la terminal principal.
B1You have to change trains at the main station.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Note
Even though 'terminal' ends in -l, it is usually feminine (la terminal) when referring to a transport station in Latin America and Spain.
⭐ Usage Tips
Travel Vocabulary
When talking about travel, remember that 'la terminal' is usually a large central hub, distinct from a small 'parada' (stop).
Illustrating the concept of a final stage or end point.
📝 In Action
El paciente se encuentra en una fase terminal de la enfermedad.
B2The patient is in a terminal phase of the illness.
La velocidad terminal de la caída depende de la resistencia del aire.
C1The terminal velocity of the fall depends on air resistance.
El punto terminal del proyecto es la presentación final.
B2The final point of the project is the closing presentation.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Agrees
As an adjective, 'terminal' must match the gender and number of the noun it describes (e.g., 'fase terminal' feminine singular, 'puntos terminales' masculine plural).
The hardware used for computer interaction, known as a terminal.
📝 In Action
Necesitas abrir un terminal para ejecutar ese comando.
B1You need to open a terminal to execute that command.
El terminal de pago no funciona; solo aceptan efectivo.
B2The payment terminal is not working; they only accept cash.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Shift
When referring to a computer or device, 'terminal' is generally masculine (el terminal), contrasting with the feminine used for travel stations (la terminal).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: terminal
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'terminal' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'la terminal' and 'el terminal'?
The gender often changes based on the meaning! 'La terminal' (feminine) usually means a transportation hub (bus/train station). 'El terminal' (masculine) usually refers to a technical device or computer interface.
Is 'terminal' a common word for beginners?
Yes, the noun meaning 'station' is very common (A2 level) and essential for travel. The adjective meaning (like 'terminal illness') is more formal and used less frequently.