semestral
/semestɾal/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'biannual' is translated into Spanish as semestral.
In Spanish, you use this term to describe something that occurs twice a year or every six months. While English speakers might use the word 'biannual', Spanish speakers more commonly use semestral to describe events occurring on a six-month cycle.
Meaning: occurring twice a year, semi-annual (adj)
Which one should you use?
While English uses 'biannual' to mean twice a year, Spanish speakers more commonly use semestral to describe events occurring every six months. You may also use the phrase dos veces al año as a more natural alternative to the adjective semestral when you want to express that something happens twice a year.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the word bimensual is used to mean something occurs every two months.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective semestral has the singular form semestral and the plural form semestrales.
How do you pronounce it?
/semestɾal/
Did you know?
- Unlike English where 'biannual' and 'biennial' are often confused, Spanish uses semestral for twice a year and bienal for every two years, making the distinction much clearer.
- The word bimensual can cause significant confusion because it is used by some to mean 'twice a month' and by others to mean 'every two months'.
- The Spanish term semestral is the standard way to describe academic terms in many universities, whereas English might use 'semesters' or 'terms'.
Examples in context
- La conferencia de derecho internacional tiene lugar de forma semestral.The international law conference takes place biannually.
- El informe financiero se presenta de manera bianual ante los accionistas.The financial report is presented biannually to the shareholders.
- El carnaval de mi ciudad natal se realiza dos veces al año.The carnival in my hometown takes place twice a year.
- La empresa publica un boletín informativo cada seis meses.The company releases a newsletter every six months.
- Tengo un examen semestral mañana.I have a semiannual exam tomorrow.
- La reunión semestral es en junio.The semiannual meeting is in June.
- Necesitamos un informe semestral detallado.We need a detailed semiannual report.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about their university schedule.
- Mateo¿Cuándo es tu examen semestral?When is your semiannual exam?
- LucíaEs el próximo lunes, Mateo.It is next Monday, Mateo.
- Mateo¡Qué mala suerte tienes!What bad luck you have!
- LucíaSí, estoy muy cansada.Yes, I am very tired.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
