Inklingo

How to Say "duration" in Spanish

English → Spanish

duración

nounA2general
Use 'duración' for the general length of time an event, process, or state continues.

Examples

La película tiene una duración de dos horas.

The movie has a duration of two hours.

periodo

peh-ree-OH-dohpeˈɾjoðo

nounA1general
Use 'periodo' to refer to a specific, often defined, length of time or interval.
A winding road stretching from a clearly marked starting point to an ending point in the distance, illustrating a duration of time.

Examples

El periodo de construcción duró tres meses.

The construction period lasted three months.

Necesitamos un periodo de prueba antes de decidir.

We need a trial period before deciding.

Este es un periodo muy importante para la compañía.

This is a very important time for the company.

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'periodo' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el periodo.' This is true even though many words ending in '-o' in Spanish are masculine.

permanencia

pair-mah-NEN-syahpeɾmaˈnenθja

nounB1general
Use 'permanencia' to describe the length of time someone or something stays in a particular place or situation.
A cozy suitcase resting on a rug beside a comfortable armchair in a warm room.

Examples

Su permanencia en el país fue de tres meses.

His stay in the country lasted three months.

La permanencia de estos cambios es fundamental para el éxito.

The permanence of these changes is essential for success.

El museo registró una permanencia media de dos horas por visitante.

The museum recorded an average stay of two hours per visitor.

Always Feminine

Even though it doesn't end in 'a', words ending in '-encia' are almost always feminine, so always use 'la permanencia'.

Permanencia vs. Permiso

Mistake: “Pedí una permanencia de trabajo.”

Correction: Pedí un permiso de trabajo.

transcurso

trans-KOOR-sotɾansˈkuɾso

nounB1general
Use 'transcurso' to refer to the passage of time during a specific event or within a broader timeframe.
A row of three pots showing a small sprout, then a medium plant, and finally a blooming flower.

Examples

En el transcurso de la semana te daré una respuesta.

In the course of the week, I will give you an answer.

Muchos cambios ocurrieron en el transcurso de los años.

Many changes occurred over the course of the years.

El transcurso del tiempo lo cura todo.

The passage of time heals everything.

Always Masculine

This word is always masculine, so you should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (e.g., 'el transcurso').

The 'In the course of' formula

To say 'during,' use the fixed phrase 'en el transcurso de.' It sounds more professional than just saying 'durante.'

Forgetting the 'The'

Mistake: “En transcurso de la clase.”

Correction: En el transcurso de la clase. You always need the 'el' before 'transcurso' in this phrase.

Confusing with space

Mistake: “El transcurso a mi casa es largo.”

Correction: El trayecto a mi casa es largo. 'Transcurso' is almost always for time, not physical distance.

existencia

eh-sees-TEN-see-aheɡsisˈtenθja

nounC1general
Use 'existencia' when referring to the useful lifespan or the period something remains functional or viable.
A visual sequence showing a small acorn next to a young sapling, which is next to a massive, fully grown oak tree, all side-by-side on a grassy hill, illustrating the passage of time.

Examples

La existencia útil de esta batería es de aproximadamente tres años.

The useful duration (or lifetime) of this battery is approximately three years.

El museo protege documentos de larga existencia.

The museum protects documents with a long lifespan.

General vs. Specific Time Spans

Learners often confuse 'duración' with other terms when a more specific meaning is intended. Remember that 'duración' is the most general term; use 'periodo' for defined intervals, 'permanencia' for stays, 'transcurso' for the passage of time during an event, and 'existencia' for lifespan.

Related Translations

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