Inklingo

How to Say "term" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “term” is “término” — use 'término' when referring to a specific word, phrase, or technical expression, especially in academic or specialized contexts.

término🔊B1

Use 'término' when referring to a specific word, phrase, or technical expression, especially in academic or specialized contexts.

Learn more →
plazo🔊A2

Use 'plazo' to talk about a period of time, especially for a duration, deadline, or a long-term or short-term commitment.

Learn more →
condiciónA2

Use 'condición' when referring to a requirement or stipulation, usually as part of an agreement, contract, or rule.

Learn more →
periodo🔊B1

Use 'periodo' for a general period of time, most commonly referring to an academic or school session.

Learn more →
expresiónA2

Use 'expresión' when referring to a specific word or phrase that is commonly used in a particular region or group, often idiomatic.

Learn more →
mandato🔊B2

Use 'mandato' specifically for a term of office, such as for a president, mayor, or other elected official.

Learn more →
trimestre🔊A2

Use 'trimestre' to refer specifically to a three-month period, often used in academic calendars or financial reporting.

Learn more →
English → Spanish
nounB1general
Use 'término' when referring to a specific word, phrase, or technical expression, especially in academic or specialized contexts.

Examples

Ese es un término científico que solo conocen los expertos.

That is a scientific term that only experts know.

plazo

PLAH-sohˈplaθo

nounA2general
Use 'plazo' to talk about a period of time, especially for a duration, deadline, or a long-term or short-term commitment.
A winding path stretching from a small green sprout to a large, mature oak tree, representing a duration.

Examples

Esta es una inversión a largo plazo.

This is a long-term investment.

El plan solo funciona a corto plazo.

The plan only works in the short term.

Fixed Phrases

The phrases 'a largo plazo' and 'a corto plazo' are fixed prepositional phrases and are extremely common. Memorize them as single units!

condición

nounA2general
Use 'condición' when referring to a requirement or stipulation, usually as part of an agreement, contract, or rule.

Examples

La única condición para el préstamo es que tengas trabajo.

The only condition for the loan is that you have a job.

periodo

peh-ree-OH-dohpeˈɾjoðo

nounB1general
Use 'periodo' for a general period of time, most commonly referring to an academic or school session.
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').

expresión

nounA2colloquial
Use 'expresión' when referring to a specific word or phrase that is commonly used in a particular region or group, often idiomatic.

Examples

Esa expresión es muy común en Argentina, pero no en España.

That phrase is very common in Argentina, but not in Spain.

mandato

man-DA-tohmanˈda.to

nounB2formal
Use 'mandato' specifically for a term of office, such as for a president, mayor, or other elected official.
A mayor wearing a ceremonial sash standing proudly in front of a city hall building.

Examples

El presidente terminó su mandato de cuatro años.

The president finished his four-year term.

El pueblo le dio un mandato claro para bajar los impuestos.

The people gave him a clear mandate to lower taxes.

Durante su segundo mandato, la economía mejoró.

During her second term, the economy improved.

Time Expression

When talking about time, 'mandato' describes the entire duration of a leader's power, not just a single day.

Using 'término' for political terms

Mistake: “Saying 'su término presidencial'.”

Correction: Say 'su mandato presidencial'. In Spanish, 'término' usually means the end of something, not the duration.

trimestre

tree-MES-trehtɾiˈmestɾe

nounA2general
Use 'trimestre' to refer specifically to a three-month period, often used in academic calendars or financial reporting.
A row of three blooming flowers representing a three-month season.

Examples

Estamos en el primer trimestre del año.

We are in the first quarter of the year.

Mis notas mejoraron mucho en este segundo trimestre.

My grades improved a lot in this second term.

Las empresas presentan sus resultados cada trimestre.

Companies present their results every quarter.

Always Masculine

Even though it refers to a period of time, 'trimestre' is always a 'boy' word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el trimestre' or 'un trimestre'.

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' at the end: 'los trimestres'.

Using 'cuarto' for time

Mistake: “El primer cuarto del año.”

Correction: El primer trimestre del año.

Confusion with 4 months

Mistake: “Un trimestre tiene cuatro meses.”

Correction: Un trimestre tiene tres meses.

Term vs. Period vs. Condition

Learners often confuse 'término' and 'periodo' when referring to time. Remember that 'término' is for specific words or phrases, while 'periodo' is for a duration of time, especially academic sessions. 'Condición' is specifically for requirements in an agreement.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.