What is the difference between "horario", "calendario", "programa", "rutina" in Spanish?

The English word 'schedule' can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on the context. Choosing the right word depends on whether you're referring to a list of events, a timetable, a program, or a daily routine.

How to Say "schedule" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “schedule” is “horario” — use 'horario' for a daily or weekly timetable of classes, appointments, work shifts, or opening hours..

horario🔊A1

Use 'horario' for a daily or weekly timetable of classes, appointments, work shifts, or opening hours.

{ui.learnMore}

calendario🔊B1

Use 'calendario' when referring to a broader list of planned events or a project timeline over a longer period.

{ui.learnMore}

programa🔊A1

Use 'programa' when talking about a specific list of events within a larger event, like a TV show schedule or a conference program.

{ui.learnMore}

rutina🔊A1

Use 'rutina' to describe a fixed sequence of actions or a daily habit, not a list of appointments.

{ui.learnMore}

English → Spanish

horario

oh-RAH-ree-oh/oˈɾa.rjo/

nounA1general

Use 'horario' for a daily or weekly timetable of classes, appointments, work shifts, or opening hours.

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?).

See full entry for “horario” →

calendario

ka-len-DA-rio/ka.lenˈda.ɾjo/

nounB1general

Use 'calendario' when referring to a broader list of planned events or a project timeline over a longer period.

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.

See full entry for “calendario” →

programa

/pro-GRA-ma//pɾoˈɣɾa.ma/

nounA1general

Use 'programa' when talking about a specific list of events within a larger event, like a TV show schedule or a conference program.

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.

See full entry for “programa” →

rutina

roo-TEE-nah/ruˈtina/

nounA1general

Use 'rutina' to describe a fixed sequence of actions or a daily habit, not a list of appointments.

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.

See full entry for “rutina” →

Horario vs. Calendario

Learners often confuse 'horario' and 'calendario'. Remember that 'horario' is typically for daily or weekly timetables (like class times or work shifts), while 'calendario' refers to a longer-term plan or list of events, like project deadlines or a year's holidays.

Related Translations

timetable→almanac→brochure→calendar→curriculum→grind→hourly→monotony→

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.