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How to Say "time-related" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word fortime-relatedis temporaluse 'temporal' when referring to something that is related to the general concept of time, or is not permanent..

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temporal

tehm-poh-RAHL/tem.poˈɾal/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'temporal' when referring to something that is related to the general concept of time, or is not permanent.
A detailed sandcastle built on a beach, with a small wave just beginning to wash away its foundation, symbolizing limited time.

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.

horario

oh-RAH-ree-oh/oˈɾa.rjo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'horario' when referring specifically to something related to hours, schedules, or timekeeping.
A simple storybook illustration showing four identical, small, stylized suns placed in a straight line, representing the concept of hourly repetition.

Examples

La rotación horaria de la Tierra es constante.

The hourly rotation of the Earth is constant.

Necesitamos un sistema de medición horario más preciso.

We need a more precise hourly measurement system.

Agreement

As an adjective, 'horario' must match the noun it describes in number and gender (e.g., 'rotación horaria', 'movimientos horarios').

Temporal vs. Horario

Learners often confuse 'temporal' and 'horario' by using 'temporal' when they mean something specifically related to hours. Remember, 'temporal' is about time in general or duration, while 'horario' is about the clock or schedule.

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