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temporal means temporary — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 24, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

temporal

adjective • /[tem-po-RAHL]/

temporary

Example:

La tarjeta es de acceso temporal.

The card is for temporary access.

🧠 What does temporal mean?

The Spanish word 'temporal' means 'temporary' or 'relating to time.' It describes something that lasts for a limited time, not permanent. It can also refer to things connected to the temples of the head or to time itself.

📚 Extra examples

  • Un trabajo temporal
    A temporary job
  • Una solución temporal
    A temporary solution
  • Dolor temporal
    Temporary pain
  • El lóbulo temporal
    The temporal lobe
  • Una anomalía temporal
    A time anomaly

💡 Did You Know?

Besides meaning temporary, 'temporal' also refers to the temples on the side of your head, just like in English. So, you might hear 'dolor temporal' to mean a 'temporal headache.'

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "temporal"

Synonyms: provisional, transitorio, efímero, pasajero
Opposites: permanente, definitivo, eterno

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'temporary' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'temporary' in Spanish is 'temporal.'
How do you pronounce 'temporal' in Spanish?
It's pronounced tem-po-RAL, with the stress on the last syllable. The 'r' is a single tap, not a rolled 'r'.
How do you use 'temporal' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'Tengo un trabajo temporal' (I have a temporary job), 'Es solo una solución temporal' (It's only a temporary solution), or 'El dolor es temporal' (The pain is temporary).
What is the English translation of 'temporal'?
The English translation of 'temporal' is 'temporary' or sometimes 'relating to time.'
Does 'temporal' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'temporal' changes to agree with the noun it modifies. For example, 'trabajo temporal' (masculine singular), 'solución temporal' (feminine singular), 'trabajos temporales' (masculine plural), and 'soluciones temporales' (feminine plural).
Is 'temporal' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'temporal' is a common word used in everyday conversations and writing.
Does 'temporal' have slang or double meanings?
While generally straightforward, in some contexts 'temporal' can refer specifically to a storm or bad weather, particularly in Spain. It doesn't have other significant slang or double meanings.
Is 'temporal' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The main difference lies in the additional meaning of 'temporal' as 'storm' or 'bad weather,' which is more common in Spain. Otherwise, its usage and meaning as 'temporary' remain consistent across Spanish-speaking regions.

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