Inklingo

How to Say "installment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “installment” is “episodio” — use 'episodio' for a distinct part or segment of a serial television show, radio program, or a long narrative that is released sequentially..

English → Spanish

episodio

eh-pee-SOH-dyoh/e.piˈso.ðjo/

nounA1General
Use 'episodio' for a distinct part or segment of a serial television show, radio program, or a long narrative that is 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

¿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.

capítulo

nounA1General
Choose 'capítulo' when referring to a division within a book, a long written work, or sometimes a distinct phase or period in a larger narrative.

Examples

Terminé el libro, pero el último capítulo fue muy triste.

I finished the book, but the last chapter was very sad.

entrega

en-TREH-gah/enˈtɾe.ɣa/

nounB1General
Use 'entrega' for a part of a series of books, magazines, or even movies that are published or released one after another.
A slightly tilted stack of three identical, brightly colored books, emphasizing the single top book as one volume in a series.

Examples

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-gah/ˈpaɣa/

nounA2General
Use 'paga' specifically when referring to a scheduled payment, often a salary or allowance, that is paid out regularly.
A small neat stack of colorful paper money and several gold coins resting on a plain wooden table, representing earned salary or wages.

Examples

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'.

plazo

PLAH-soh/ˈplaθo/

nounB2Financial/Commercial
Use 'plazo' when talking about paying for something in fixed, regular sums over time, often indicating a payment plan or financing.
Three identical, small money bags lined up sequentially, moving toward a large piggy bank, representing fixed payments.

Examples

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).

Story Parts vs. Payments

Learners often confuse words for story parts with words for payments. Remember that 'episodio' and 'capítulo' refer to divisions within a narrative or series, while 'paga' and 'plazo' relate strictly to financial transactions and payments.

Related Translations

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