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How to Say "recurring" in Spanish

English → Spanish

periódico

adjectiveB1general
Use 'periódico' when referring to something that happens at regular intervals or is scheduled, like a routine check or a recurring fee.

Examples

Hacemos una revisión periódica de todos los equipos.

We do a periodic check of all the equipment.

recurrente

/rreh-koo-rrehn-teh//rekuˈrente/

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'recurrente' for something that happens repeatedly or comes back often, especially when it's not necessarily scheduled, like a recurring dream or a recurring problem.
A row of identical small blue waves repeating across a calm sea.

Examples

Tengo un sueño recurrente en el que puedo volar.

I have a recurring dream where I can fly.

La falta de personal es un problema recurrente en esta oficina.

The lack of staff is a recurring problem in this office.

Es un tema recurrente en las películas de este director.

It is a recurring theme in this director's movies.

One Form for All

This word ends in 'e', which means it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (el problema) or a feminine noun (la idea).

Recurring vs. Recursive

Mistake: “Using 'recursivo' to mean a repeating event.”

Correction: Use 'recurrente'. In Spanish, 'recursivo' is mostly used for mathematics or computer programming.

Scheduled vs. Habitual Repetition

Learners often confuse 'periódico' and 'recurrente' by using 'periódico' for any repeated event. Remember, 'periódico' implies a regular schedule or interval, while 'recurrente' suggests repetition that isn't necessarily scheduled, like a persistent issue or a dream.

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