Inklingo

How to Say "sporadic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aislado

eye-SLAH-dohai̯sˈlaðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'aislado' when referring to something that is separate, disconnected, or a single occurrence that is not part of a pattern.
A single bright red flower blooming in a large field of green grass.

Examples

Fue un incidente aislado, no te preocupes.

It was an isolated incident; don't worry.

ocasional

oh-kah-syoh-NAHLokasjoˈnal

adjectiveA2general
Use 'ocasional' to describe something that happens infrequently but regularly or is done from time to time, often as a secondary activity.
A single yellow umbrella standing out in a light rain shower with a few scattered clouds.

Examples

Tengo un trabajo ocasional los fines de semana.

I have an occasional job on weekends.

Es un corredor ocasional; no entrena todos los días.

He is a casual runner; he doesn't train every day.

El pronóstico anuncia lluvias ocasionales para esta tarde.

The forecast announces occasional rains for this afternoon.

One Shape for Both Genders

In Spanish, many adjectives change their ending based on gender, but 'ocasional' is easy—it stays exactly the same whether you are talking about a masculine or feminine word.

Where to Put the Word

You will usually see this word placed after the person or thing it is describing, like 'un encuentro ocasional' (an occasional meeting).

The 'O' vs 'A' Trap

Mistake: “una visita ocasionala”

Correction: una visita ocasional. Even though 'visita' is feminine, the word 'ocasional' does not change its ending to 'a'.

eventual

eh-ben-too-ahlebenˈtual

adjectiveB1general
Use 'eventual' for something that happens at irregular or uncertain intervals, often implying temporariness or a lack of permanence.
A worker wearing a bright orange vest and a hard hat, holding a clipboard and standing in front of a half-finished wooden structure.

Examples

Ella tiene un contrato eventual en la oficina.

She has a temporary contract at the office.

Solo hacemos visitas eventuales a ese pueblo.

We only make occasional visits to that town.

Es un trabajador eventual, no tiene un puesto fijo.

He is a temporary worker; he doesn't have a permanent position.

A 'False Friend' Alert

In English, 'eventual' means 'final' (like the eventual winner). In Spanish, it means 'temporary' or 'occasional.' To say 'final' in Spanish, use 'final' or 'definitivo' instead.

One Form for All

This word stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing. You only change it to 'eventuales' if you are talking about more than one thing.

Using it for 'Finally'

Mistake: “El resultado eventual fue un empate.”

Correction: El resultado final fue un empate. (Use 'final' when you mean the end result).

Sporadic vs. Occasional vs. Eventual

The main confusion lies between 'ocasional' and 'eventual'. 'Ocasional' often implies something done by choice or habit, even if infrequent, like an occasional visit. 'Eventual' suggests a lack of regularity or permanence, like an eventual job or outcome.

Related Translations

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