Inklingo

How to Say "fleeting" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fleeting” is “fugaz” — use 'fugaz' when referring to something that lasts for a very short, often spectacular or noticeable, period of time, like a shooting star or a brief moment of fame.

English → Spanish

fugaz

foo-GAHSfuˈɡas

adjectiveB1general
Use 'fugaz' when referring to something that lasts for a very short, often spectacular or noticeable, period of time, like a shooting star or a brief moment of fame.
A bright shooting star with a glowing trail streaking across a dark blue starry night sky.

Examples

Vimos una estrella fugaz en el cielo nocturno.

We saw a shooting star in the night sky.

Fue un encuentro fugaz, pero muy especial.

It was a fleeting encounter, but very special.

Sentí una alegría fugaz al recibir la noticia.

I felt a fleeting joy upon hearing the news.

One size fits all

This word doesn't change based on gender. You can use 'fugaz' for both masculine words like 'un suspiro' (a sigh) and feminine words like 'una mirada' (a glance).

The vanishing Z

When you want to talk about more than one thing (plural), the 'z' at the end turns into a 'c' before adding 'es'. So, one is 'fugaz', but two are 'fugaces'.

Adding an 'a' for feminine words

Mistake: “una estrella fugaza”

Correction: una estrella fugaz. In Spanish, adjectives ending in 'z' usually stay the same for both boys and girls (masculine and feminine).

pasajero

pah-sah-HEH-rohpasaˈxeɾo

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'pasajero' for things that are temporary or short-lived, especially when they are not necessarily negative, like a passing feeling or a temporary situation.
A single dandelion seed head with several seeds blowing away in a gentle breeze.

Examples

No te preocupes, es solo un dolor pasajero.

Don't worry, it's just a fleeting pain.

Fue una moda pasajera de los años noventa.

It was a passing fad from the nineties.

Adjective Agreement

Remember this word must match the noun it describes. If describing a 'moda' (fashion), use 'pasajera'.

transitorio

trahn-see-TOH-ryohtɾansiˈtoɾjo

adjectiveB2formal
Employ 'transitorio' when describing something that is only temporary and will likely be replaced by something else, often implying a need for a more permanent solution.
A child's colorful chalk drawing of a sun on a sidewalk, partially faded by a few raindrops.

Examples

Este alivio es solo transitorio; necesitamos una solución real.

This relief is only temporary; we need a real solution.

La felicidad puede ser transitoria si no valoramos el presente.

Happiness can be fleeting if we don't value the present.

Estamos en un periodo transitorio de adaptación tecnológica.

We are in a transitional period of technological adaptation.

Gender and Number Agreement

This word must match the noun it describes. Use 'transitorio' for masculine singular nouns and 'transitoria' for feminine singular nouns.

Adjective Placement

In most cases, place this word after the noun it describes (e.g., 'un éxito transitorio') to focus on the temporary quality of that thing.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “La situación es transitorio.”

Correction: La situación es transitoria. Because 'situación' is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.

Choosing Between Fleeting Translations

Learners often confuse 'fugaz' and 'pasajero'. Remember that 'fugaz' often implies a quick, sometimes noticeable, passage (like a shooting star), while 'pasajero' is more general for anything temporary. 'Transitorio' is best for situations needing a lasting fix.

Related Translations

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