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ternado means nominated — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 15, 2026

✨ Beautiful Spanish

ternado

adjective • /[ter-NA-do]/

nominated

Example:

Fue ternado para un gran premio.

He was nominated for a great award.

🧠 What does ternado mean?

The adjective 'ternado' describes someone who has been nominated as one of three candidates for a position, prize, or honor. It is more specific than the general term 'nominado' (nominated). 'Ternado' implies being on a final shortlist of three, from which the final selection will be made. Its use is common in formal contexts, such as political appointments, high-level job selections, and prestigious awards.

📚 Extra examples

  • El candidato ternado por el consejo directivo finalmente obtuvo el puesto de rector.
    The candidate nominated by the board of directors finally got the position of chancellor.
  • La arquitecta quedó ternada para el concurso de diseño del nuevo museo nacional.
    The architect was shortlisted as one of the three finalists for the design competition of the new national museum.
  • Se publicará la lista de los profesionales ternados para ocupar la vacante de juez.
    The list of the professionals shortlisted for the judge vacancy will be published.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'ternado' derives from the noun 'terna', which means a group or list of three candidates. 'Terna' itself comes from the Latin 'terni', meaning 'three each'. This etymology directly points to the specific meaning of the word, which is tied to the number three.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ternado"

Synonyms: nominado, finalista, seleccionado, candidato
Opposites: descartado, excluido, eliminado, rechazado

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'nominated' in Spanish?
The most common word for 'nominated' is 'nominado'. However, 'ternado' is a more specific term used when someone is one of three finalists for a position or award. 'Candidato' (candidate) or 'finalista' (finalist) can also be used.
How do you pronounce 'ternado' in Spanish?
The word 'ternado' is pronounced /terˈna.ðo/. The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable, 'na'. The 'd' has a soft sound, similar to the 'th' in the English word 'they'.
How do you use 'ternado' in a sentence?
'Ternado' is an adjective used to describe a person who is on a shortlist of three. It is often used with verbs like 'estar' or 'quedar'. For example: 'El director está ternado para el premio' (The director is on the shortlist of three for the prize).
What is the English translation of 'ternado'?
The English translation is 'nominated' or 'shortlisted', with the specific meaning of being one of three final candidates.
Does 'ternado' change for gender or number?
Yes, it is an adjective and must agree with the noun it modifies. The forms are: ternado (masculine singular), ternada (feminine singular), ternados (masculine plural), and ternadas (feminine plural).
Is 'ternado' common in everyday Spanish?
No, 'ternado' is not very common in casual conversation. It is a formal term used primarily in administrative, political, academic, and professional contexts.
Does 'ternado' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'ternado' does not have any common slang or alternative meanings. Its meaning is very specific and formal.
Is 'ternado' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term is understood and used consistently across the Spanish-speaking world in formal contexts. Its frequency of use may vary based on the official procedures of institutions in a given country, but the meaning remains the same.

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