Inklingo

How to Say "installment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “installment” is “capítulo” — use this word when referring to a chapter in a book or a distinct part of a longer written narrative.

capítuloA1

Use this word when referring to a chapter in a book or a distinct part of a longer written narrative.

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episodio🔊A1

This is the term for an episode of a TV show, a radio program, or any part of a serial narrative that is broadcast or released sequentially.

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cuota🔊B1

Use 'cuota' when talking about one of several regular payments you make towards a larger debt or purchase.

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plazo🔊B2

This word refers to a fixed period over which payments are made, often used in the context of buying something on credit.

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entrega🔊B1

This term applies when referring to a part of a series of books, magazines, or even films that are released sequentially over time.

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paga🔊A2

While 'paga' can mean 'pay' or 'wage', it can sometimes refer to a scheduled payment, especially in certain contexts like a salary installment.

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English → Spanish

capítulo

nounA1general
Use this word when referring to a chapter in a book or a distinct part of a longer written narrative.

Examples

El último capítulo del libro fue muy emotivo.

The last chapter of the book was very emotional.

episodio

eh-pee-SOH-dyohe.piˈso.ðjo

nounA1general
This is the term for an episode of a TV show, a radio program, or any part of a serial narrative that is broadcast or released sequentially.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a series of four identical closed books on a shelf. One book is slightly pulled out and open to show a simple drawing inside, symbolizing a single episode in a series.

Examples

No te pierdas el próximo episodio de tu serie favorita.

Don't miss the next episode of your favorite series.

¿Viste el nuevo episodio de tu serie favorita?

Did you watch the new episode of your favorite series?

El episodio final fue muy emocionante.

The final episode was very exciting.

Cada episodio del podcast dura una hora.

Each episode of the podcast lasts one hour.

Gender Rule Followed

Even though 'episodio' comes from Greek, it follows the standard Spanish rule: words ending in -o are almost always masculine, so we use 'el' (el episodio).

Confusing 'Episodio' and 'Capítulo'

Mistake: “Using 'episodio' for a book chapter.”

Correction: While sometimes interchangeable, 'capítulo' is much more common for a book, while 'episodio' is preferred for TV or streaming series.

cuota

KWOH-tahˈkwota

nounB1general
Use 'cuota' when talking about one of several regular payments you make towards a larger debt or purchase.
A small stack of three gold coins being placed into a neat pile.

Examples

Pagué la primera cuota de mi nuevo coche.

I paid the first installment of my new car.

Compré el televisor en doce cuotas sin interés.

I bought the TV in twelve interest-free installments.

La cuota de la hipoteca es muy alta.

The mortgage payment is very high.

Aún me faltan tres cuotas para terminar de pagar el coche.

I still have three payments left to finish paying for the car.

Using 'en'

To say you bought something 'in' installments, use the word 'en' before 'cuotas'.

Installments vs. Fees

Mistake: “Pago las cuotas de mi préstamo.”

Correction: Pago las cuotas de mi préstamo.

plazo

PLAH-sohˈplaθo

nounB2general
This word refers to a fixed period over which payments are made, often used in the context of buying something on credit.
Three identical, small money bags lined up sequentially, moving toward a large piggy bank, representing fixed payments.

Examples

El televisor se puede comprar a 24 plazos sin intereses.

The TV can be bought in 24 interest-free installments.

Compramos el televisor a 12 plazos sin intereses.

We bought the TV in 12 interest-free installments.

El primer plazo se paga el mes que viene.

The first installment is paid next month.

Using 'a'

When talking about paying in installments, you use the preposition 'a': 'Pagar a plazos' (to pay in installments).

entrega

en-TREH-gahenˈtɾe.ɣa

nounB1general
This term applies when referring to a part of a series of books, magazines, or even films that are released sequentially over time.
A slightly tilted stack of three identical, brightly colored books, emphasizing the single top book as one volume in a series.

Examples

La última entrega de la colección de cómics salió la semana pasada.

The last installment of the comic book collection came out last week.

La tercera entrega de la saga de películas fue la más popular.

The third installment of the movie saga was the most popular.

Cada entrega de la revista viene con un regalo diferente.

Each installment of the magazine comes with a different gift.

paga

PAH-gahˈpaɣa

nounA2informal
While 'paga' can mean 'pay' or 'wage', it can sometimes refer to a scheduled payment, especially in certain contexts like a salary installment.
A small neat stack of colorful paper money and several gold coins resting on a plain wooden table, representing earned salary or wages.

Examples

Recibí mi paga extra el viernes.

I received my extra installment (bonus pay) on Friday.

Mi paga mensual llega el día 25.

My monthly pay arrives on the 25th.

Les dieron una paga extra por el trabajo nocturno.

They gave them extra wages for the night work.

Gender Trap

Even though many financial terms are masculine, 'la paga' (pay/wages) is always feminine.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'el paga' to mean 'the pay'.”

Correction: The noun meaning 'pay' is always feminine: 'la paga'.

Payments vs. Parts of a Series

Learners often confuse 'cuota' and 'plazo' for payments, and 'capítulo', 'episodio', and 'entrega' for parts of a story or series. Remember 'cuota' is one payment, 'plazo' is the payment plan over time. 'Capítulo' is for books, 'episodio' for shows, and 'entrega' for sequential releases like magazines or movie sagas.

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