Inklingo

How to Say "duration" in Spanish

English → Spanish

periodo

peh-ree-OH-doh/peˈɾjoðo/

nounA1general
Use 'periodo' when referring to a general length of time or a specific phase, like a construction phase or a school term.
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 vacaciones dura dos semanas.

The vacation period lasts two weeks.

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.

existencia

/eh-sees-TEN-see-ah//eɡsisˈtenθja/

nounC1general
Use 'existencia' when referring to the lifespan or the total time something exists or remains functional, especially for objects or concepts.
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 de este programa informático ha sido corta.

The duration (or existence) of this computer program has been short.

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 Duration

Learners often confuse 'periodo' and 'existencia' by using 'existencia' for any length of time. Remember that 'periodo' is the more common and general term for any defined stretch of time, while 'existencia' is more specific to a lifespan or period of usefulness.

Related Translations

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