terminal
“terminal” means “terminal” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
terminal, station
Also: depot
📝 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.
terminal, final
Also: last
📝 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.
terminal
Also: handheld device
📝 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.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: terminal
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'terminal' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *terminalis*, which meant 'pertaining to a boundary' or 'the end.' It shares the same root as the English word 'term' or 'terminus.'
First recorded: Medieval Latin
Cognates (Related words)
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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.