Inklingo

How to Say "provisional" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “provisional” is “provisional” — use 'provisional' when referring to something that is temporary, not yet final, or subject to change, like a temporary document or status.

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provisional

pro-bee-see-oh-NAHLpɾoβisjoˈnal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'provisional' when referring to something that is temporary, not yet final, or subject to change, like a temporary document or status.
A simple bridge made of two wooden planks crossing a small blue stream in a green meadow.

Examples

Tengo un permiso de conducir provisional.

I have a provisional (temporary) driver's license.

Esta es una solución provisional mientras buscamos algo mejor.

This is a temporary solution while we look for something better.

El comité nombró un director provisional para el resto del año.

The committee appointed an interim director for the rest of the year.

One size fits all

This word doesn't change for boys or girls! Since it ends in 'l', you use 'provisional' for both masculine and feminine things (el permiso provisional / la licencia provisional).

Positioning

Like most adjectives in Spanish, it almost always comes after the thing it is describing to help distinguish it from the 'final' version.

Avoid 'Provisionala'

Mistake: “La solución provisionala.”

Correction: La solución provisional. Words ending in 'l' do not add an 'a' to become feminine.

condicional

kon-dee-syo-NALkon.di.sjoˈnal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'condicional' when something is dependent on a specific condition or requirement being met first.
A closed, wrapped gift box sits on a pedestal next to a large, bright red button. A dotted line connects the button to the box, visually representing that the box opening is conditional upon pressing the button.

Examples

La venta del coche es condicional a que yo encuentre un trabajo nuevo.

The sale of the car is conditional on me finding a new job.

El juez le concedió la libertad condicional después de diez años.

The judge granted him conditional release after ten years.

Tengo una oferta de trabajo condicional a pasar el examen médico.

I have a job offer conditional upon passing the medical exam.

Gender Agreement

Since 'condicional' ends in -al, it is the same form for masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'el acuerdo condicional,' 'la oferta condicional').

Provisional vs. Conditional

Learners often confuse 'provisional' and 'condicional' because both imply something isn't final. Remember: 'provisional' means temporary or not yet permanent, while 'condicional' means it depends on something else happening first.

Related Translations

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