extensión
/eɡstenˈsjon/
The English word extension is translated into Spanish as extensión.
extensión refers to an additional period of time allowed to finish a task or a part added to something to make it longer. In specific contexts, it can be used for various meanings: extensión del archivo or extensión de archivo for a file extension, extensión de garantía for a product warranty extension and extensiones or extensiones de cabello for hair extensions. To refer to an internal phone number, you can use extensión telefónica or número de extensión telefónica. For an extension cord, the term alargue is used.
Which one should you use?
While extensión is a general term, more specific formal words exist: Ampliación is used for the formal enlargement or expansion of physical spaces or timeframes and prolongación is a formal term used for extending something in a spatial sense, such as a road extension.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la. The plural form of extensión is extensiones.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡstenˈsjon/
Did you know?
- The word extensión shares a root with the Spanish word tenacidad, as both derive from the Latin 'tendere' meaning to stretch.
- The Spanish term extensión is used for both the physical length of a territory and the 'extension' of a computer file, blending spatial and digital concepts into one word.
- If you ask for an 'extensión' to plug in your lamp, a Spanish speaker might hand you a computer file instead of an 'alargue'.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es la extensión del archivo?What is the file extension?This sentence is useful for asking about the extension of a file.Tatoeba #965842 by alexmarcelo, translation #1507916 by rileyphone
- La extensión instalada no está soportada para esta versión del navegador.The installed extension is not supported for this version of the browser.This sentence is useful for describing a browser extension.Tatoeba #12987179 by mexicanhere, translation #10629846 by AlanF_US
- El poder judicial no debería convertirse en una extensión del poder legislativo.The judiciary should not become merely an extension of the legislative branch.This sentence shows the use of the word in a political or structural context.Tatoeba #13553098 by mexicanhere, translation #5816171 by AlanF_US
- Ofrecemos una extensión de garantía de 2 añosWe offer a 2-year warranty extension
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a deadline for a project.
- MateoElena, ¿pediste una extensión para el trabajo?Elena, did you ask for an extension for the assignment?
- ElenaSí, el profesor me dio una extensión de tres días.Yes, the professor gave me a three-day extension.
- MateoQué suerte, yo no tengo tiempo suficiente.How lucky, I don't have enough time.
- ElenaIntenta hablar con él para conseguir una extensión.Try talking to him to get an extension.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry extensión, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
