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 expression, especially in a technical, academic, or specialized context..

English → Spanish
nounB1formal
Use 'término' when referring to a specific word, phrase, or expression, especially in a technical, academic, or specialized context.

Examples

El término 'entropía' es fundamental en física.

The term 'entropy' is fundamental in physics.

plazo

PLAH-soh/ˈplaθo/

nounA2
Use 'plazo' to talk about a specific duration of time, a deadline, or a period for something, like a loan or an investment.
A winding path stretching from a small green sprout to a large, mature oak tree, representing a duration.

Examples

Necesito el informe antes del próximo plazo.

I need the report before the next deadline.

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

nounA2
Use 'condición' when referring to a requirement, stipulation, or prerequisite that must be met as part of an agreement or situation.

Examples

Aceptar el trabajo es la única condición.

Accepting the job is the only condition.

periodo

peh-ree-OH-doh/peˈɾjoðo/

nounB1
Use 'periodo' to refer to a defined stretch of time, most commonly 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

Las vacaciones de invierno son durante este periodo.

The winter holidays are during this term.

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

nounA2
Use 'expresión' for a word or phrase that has a specific meaning, often idiomatic or colloquial, and can vary regionally.

Examples

Me encanta esa expresión que usan en México.

I love that expression they use in Mexico.

Término vs. Expresión

Learners often confuse 'término' and 'expresión'. While both refer to words or phrases, 'término' is typically for specialized or technical language, whereas 'expresión' often implies a more common, idiomatic, or regional phrase.

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