How to Say "temporary" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “temporary” is “temporal” — use 'temporal' when referring to something that lasts for a limited, defined period, like a job, a permit, or a season..
temporal
tehm-poh-RAHL/tem.poˈɾal/
Examples
Su contrato de trabajo es temporal.
His employment contract is temporary.
La vida es corta y nuestras preocupaciones son temporales.
Life is short and our worries are temporary/transient.
El poder temporal del Papa está limitado.
The temporal power of the Pope is limited.
Always the Same
Since 'temporal' ends in '-l', it always stays the same regardless of whether the noun it describes is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'el contrato temporal' and 'la solución temporal').
Temporary vs. Time
Mistake: “Using 'tiempo' instead of 'temporal' to mean 'temporary'.”
Correction: 'Tiempo' means 'time' or 'weather'. Use 'temporal' or 'provisional' to describe something that is not permanent.
pasajero
/pah-sah-HEH-roh//pasaˈxeɾo/
Examples
No te preocupes, es solo un dolor pasajero.
Don't worry, it's just a fleeting pain.
Fue una moda pasajera de los años noventa.
It was a passing fad from the nineties.
Adjective Agreement
Remember this word must match the noun it describes. If describing a 'moda' (fashion), use 'pasajera'.
Temporal vs. Pasajero
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