Inklingo

How to Say "semester" in Spanish

English → Spanish

semestre

/seh-MEHS-treh//seˈmestɾe/

nounA2academic
Use 'semestre' when referring to the specific academic term, often implying a six-month duration, as it is the most direct and frequently used translation.
A stack of colorful school books and a graduation cap on a wooden desk.

Examples

Este semestre tengo cinco clases diferentes.

This semester I have five different classes.

Las ventas de la empresa mejoraron en el segundo semestre.

The company's sales improved in the second half of the year.

Terminamos el semestre en diciembre.

We finish the semester in December.

It's a Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in 'e', 'semestre' is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Not just for schools

Mistake: “Only using 'semestre' for university terms.”

Correction: Use it for any 6-month block, like in business or personal goals.

periodo

peh-ree-OH-doh/peˈɾjoðo/

nounB1academic
Use 'periodo' when referring to a school term in a more general sense, or when emphasizing the duration or segment of time within the academic year.
A stack of colorful school books next to a bright red apple and a yellow pencil, symbolizing an academic term or session.

Examples

El primer periodo escolar comienza en septiembre.

The first school term starts in September.

Solo quedan dos minutos en el último periodo del partido.

There are only two minutes left in the last quarter of the game.

El presidente tiene un periodo de mandato de cuatro años.

The president has a four-year term of office.

Context is Key

When talking about school, 'periodo' often refers to the entire 'semester' or 'term,' not just a single class session (which is usually 'clase' or 'hora').

Semestre vs. Periodo

Learners often confuse 'semestre' and 'periodo' because both can mean 'term'. However, 'semestre' is the more precise and common word for an academic semester, while 'periodo' is broader and can refer to any time frame.

Related Translations

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