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How to Say "cycle" in Spanish

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ciclo

SEE-kloh/ˈθiklo/ (Spain), /ˈsiklo/ (Latin America)

nounA2General
Use 'ciclo' for any general, repeated sequence of events, especially natural or abstract ones.
A simple illustration showing three distinct stages—a green sprout, a blooming flower, and a brown seed—connected by a circular arrow, symbolizing continuous repetition.

Examples

El ciclo del agua es vital para la vida.

The water cycle is vital for life.

Estamos al final de un ciclo económico.

We are at the end of an economic cycle.

La luna completa su ciclo en menos de un mes.

The moon completes its cycle in less than a month.

Gender Tip

Remember that 'ciclo' is a masculine word, so you must always use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'el ciclo', 'un ciclo largo').

círculo

nounB2General, Figurative
Use 'círculo' when referring to a negative, repetitive sequence of events that is difficult to escape, often called a 'vicious circle'.

Examples

Necesitamos romper este círculo vicioso de deuda y gasto.

We need to break this vicious cycle of debt and spending.

nounC1Scientific, Technical
Use 'período' for the specific duration of time it takes for a recurring event, especially in scientific or technical contexts.

Examples

El período de rotación de la Tierra es de 24 horas.

The rotation period of the Earth is 24 hours.

Ciclo vs. Círculo

Learners often confuse 'ciclo' and 'círculo'. Remember that 'ciclo' is for general repeated events, while 'círculo' specifically implies a negative, repeating pattern, often in phrases like 'círculo vicioso' (vicious cycle).

Related Translations

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