Inklingo

How to Say "termination" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “termination” is “término” — use 'término' for a general, formal ending or deadline, often related to time periods or projects.

English → Spanish
nounA2formal
Use 'término' for a general, formal ending or deadline, often related to time periods or projects.

Examples

El término del contrato es el próximo mes.

The termination of the contract is next month.

cese

SAY-sayˈθese

nounB2formal
Use 'cese' specifically for the ending of an activity, conflict, or agreement, like a ceasefire or the end of employment.
A hand turning a silver faucet handle to stop a drip of water.

Examples

Se espera un cese de las hostilidades pronto.

A termination of hostilities is expected soon.

Las Naciones Unidas pidieron un cese del fuego inmediato.

The United Nations called for an immediate ceasefire.

El cese del director sorprendió a toda la oficina.

The director's dismissal surprised the whole office.

Tras el cese de las lluvias, pudimos salir a caminar.

After the rain stopped, we were able to go for a walk.

Using 'el' with cese

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

Confusing 'cese' with 'parada'

Mistake: “Hicimos un cese en el camino.”

Correction: Hicimos una parada en el camino. Use 'cese' for a final stop or formal end, but 'parada' for a quick pause or break.

extinción

nounB2formal
Choose 'extinción' when referring to the ending of something that was ongoing, like a fire, a debt, or a species.

Examples

Los bomberos lograron la extinción del incendio.

The firefighters achieved the termination of the fire.

disolución

nounB2legal
Use 'disolución' for the formal legal ending of organizations, marriages, or partnerships.

Examples

La disolución de la sociedad se hará ante notario.

The termination of the company will be done before a notary.

aborto

ah-BOR-tohaˈβoɾto

nounB2medical
Use 'aborto' exclusively in the medical context of ending a pregnancy, whether spontaneous or induced.
A medical professional's hand holding a small, green stethoscope against a simple background.

Examples

El aborto espontáneo es una preocupación médica.

Spontaneous termination of pregnancy is a medical concern.

El médico explicó los riesgos de un aborto espontáneo.

The doctor explained the risks of a miscarriage.

El país está debatiendo una nueva ley sobre el aborto.

The country is debating a new law regarding abortion.

One Word, Two English Meanings

In Spanish, 'aborto' covers both a chosen medical procedure (abortion) and a natural loss (miscarriage). To be specific about a miscarriage, use 'aborto espontáneo'.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “la aborto”

Correction: el aborto

General Ending vs. Specific Context

Learners often confuse 'término' with more specific words like 'cese' or 'extinción'. While 'término' can mean general ending, remember to use 'cese' for activities/conflicts and 'extinción' for fires or debts to be more precise.

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