Inklingo

How to Say "deadline" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “deadline” is “fecha” — use 'fecha' when referring to the specific calendar date or day by which something must be submitted or completed, often implying a final limit..

English → Spanish

fecha

/FEH-chah//ˈfetʃa/

nounB1general
Use 'fecha' when referring to the specific calendar date or day by which something must be submitted or completed, often implying a final limit.
A small figure sprints towards a bright red finish line banner stretched across a field, symbolizing a deadline.

Examples

La fecha límite para entregar el trabajo es mañana.

The deadline to turn in the work is tomorrow.

Este fin de semana se juega la décima fecha de la liga.

The tenth matchday of the league is being played this weekend.

Pusimos una fecha para vernos de nuevo.

We set a date/time to see each other again.

Using 'Límite'

When talking about a 'deadline,' use the phrase 'fecha límite.' 'Límite' always follows 'fecha.'

plazo

PLAH-soh/ˈplaθo/

nounB1general
Use 'plazo' to indicate the period of time or the specific date by which a task, project, or payment must be finished or made.
A brightly colored, wrapped present sitting right up against a red ribbon finish line on a desk.

Examples

El plazo para entregar el informe es este viernes.

The deadline for submitting the report is this Friday.

No vamos a poder cumplir el plazo si no trabajamos más rápido.

We won't be able to meet the deadline if we don't work faster.

Using 'cumplir'

When you successfully finish something by the deadline, you use the verb 'cumplir' (to fulfill or meet): 'Cumplimos el plazo'.

Confusing 'plazo' and 'tiempo'

Mistake: “Using 'tengo mucho plazo' (I have a lot of deadline).”

Correction: Use 'Tengo mucho tiempo' (I have a lot of time) or 'El plazo es amplio' (The deadline is generous).

límite

nounB1formal
Use 'límite' when emphasizing a strict time restriction or boundary, often in the context of payments or official requirements.

Examples

Debes pagar antes del límite de la fecha.

You must pay before the deadline.

nounA2formal
Use 'término' to refer to a required completion date, often used in more formal or legalistic contexts when a specific end date is stipulated.

Examples

El término del plazo para entregar el proyecto es el viernes.

The deadline for handing in the project is Friday.

Choosing Between 'Fecha', 'Plazo', and 'Límite'

Learners often confuse 'fecha', 'plazo', and 'límite'. 'Fecha' and 'plazo' are the most common and interchangeable for general deadlines. 'Límite' emphasizes the restriction itself, while 'término' is more formal and often implies a stipulated end date within a larger period.

Related Translations

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