Inklingo

How to Say "schedule" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “schedule” is “horario” — use this for daily or regular schedules like class times, appointments, or the times a place is open.

English → Spanish

horario

oh-RAH-ree-ohoˈɾa.rjo

nounA1General
Use this for daily or regular schedules like class times, appointments, or the times a place is open.
A colorful illustration of an open planner with simple icons representing various scheduled activities like reading, eating, and playing.

Examples

¿Cuál es el horario de la biblioteca?

What is the library's schedule/opening hours?

Mi nuevo horario de trabajo es de 9 a 5.

My new work schedule is from 9 to 5.

Tengo que revisar el horario del tren antes de comprar el billete.

I have to check the train timetable before buying the ticket.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', remember 'horario' is always masculine, so you use 'el horario' or 'un horario'.

Using 'de'

To specify what the schedule is for, use 'de': 'horario de clases' (class schedule), 'horario de atención' (service hours).

Schedule vs. Time

Mistake: “Using 'horario' when you mean 'hora' (time).”

Correction: Horario means the whole plan (the schedule); hora means a specific point in time (e.g., '¿Qué hora es?' - What time is it?).

programa

pro-GRA-mapɾoˈɣɾa.ma

nounA1General
This refers to a list of events or times, often used for specific occasions, performances, or a TV lineup.
A simple illustration of a vintage television set displaying a bright, colorful scene.

Examples

¿Cuál es tu programa de televisión favorito?

What is your favorite television program/show?

El programa del festival incluye tres conciertos.

The festival's program/schedule includes three concerts.

Necesito instalar un programa para editar fotos en mi computadora.

I need to install a program/software to edit photos on my computer.

Masculine Nouns Ending in -MA

Watch out! Even though 'programa' ends in '-a', it's a masculine word. So, you always say 'el programa' or 'un programa'. This is a common pattern for words that come from the Greek language, like 'el problema' (the problem) and 'el tema' (the topic).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake: “Me gusta mucho la programa nueva.”

Correction: Me gusta mucho el programa nuevo. Because 'programa' is masculine, any words describing it (like 'nuevo') must also be in the masculine form.

rutina

roo-TEE-nahruˈtina

nounA1General
Use this for a personal, fixed sequence of actions done regularly, like your daily morning or evening activities.
A storybook illustration showing a simplified character performing three distinct, ordered daily tasks in three separate panels: brushing teeth, eating breakfast at a table, and reading a book on a couch, symbolizing a structured routine.

Examples

Mi rutina de la mañana empieza a las 7:00 am.

My morning routine starts at 7:00 am.

El doctor me recomendó una rutina de ejercicios ligera.

The doctor recommended a light exercise routine for me.

Es importante establecer una rutina de estudio para el examen.

It is important to establish a study schedule for the exam.

Gender Rule

Even though 'rutina' ends in -a, remember it is a feminine noun and must always be used with feminine articles and adjectives (la rutina, una rutina diaria).

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer mi rutina (To do my routine)”

Correction: Seguir mi rutina (To follow/keep my routine) or Tener una rutina (To have a routine). While 'hacer' is sometimes used, 'seguir' or 'tener' sound more natural for describing your daily schedule.

programación

nounA2General
This specifically refers to the lineup or schedule of television or radio shows.

Examples

No me gusta la programación de este canal.

I don't like this channel's programming.

itinerario

ee-tee-neh-rah-ryohitineˈɾaɾjo

nounA2General
This is used for the detailed plan of a journey, listing places to visit and times.
A colorful map with a dashed line showing a path through trees and mountains.

Examples

El itinerario de nuestro viaje incluye tres ciudades.

Our trip itinerary includes three cities.

Tengo un itinerario muy apretado para mañana.

I have a very tight schedule for tomorrow.

Debemos seguir el itinerario para no perder el vuelo.

We must follow the route to avoid missing the flight.

A 'He' Word

Even though it is quite long, 'itinerario' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Connecting with 'De'

To say what the itinerary is for, simply use the word 'de' (of/for). For example: 'itinerario de vuelo' (flight itinerary).

Using 'Agenda' instead

Mistake: “Mi agenda de viaje es larga.”

Correction: Mi itinerario de viaje es largo. Use 'itinerario' specifically for routes and travel plans; 'agenda' is usually for business meetings or a physical planner book.

calendario

ka-len-DA-rioka.lenˈda.ɾjo

nounB1General
Use this for a list of planned events or activities over a longer period, like project deadlines or academic terms.
A visual representation of a schedule on a clipboard, showing three distinct icons (a coffee cup, a book, and a running shoe) listed vertically next to simple lines, symbolizing planned events.

Examples

Necesitamos revisar el calendario de entregas del proyecto.

We need to check the project delivery schedule (timeline).

El calendario de partidos de fútbol fue anunciado ayer.

The football match schedule was announced yesterday.

Horario vs. Calendario

Learners often confuse 'horario' and 'calendario'. Remember 'horario' is for specific times within a day or week (like classes or opening hours), while 'calendario' is for a broader list of events or deadlines over a longer period.

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