programación
/pɾoɡɾamaˈθjon/
In Spanish, the English word 'scheduling' is translated as programación.
programación is used to describe the scheduling of broadcasts, computer programs or a specific sequence of events. It refers to the content or the act of arranging these items.
Meaning: time at which a particular event is scheduled (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun programación is derived from the verb programar, which means to schedule or to program.
Which one should you use?
While programación refers to the act or content of scheduling, use horario when you want to refer to a specific timetable or a set of fixed hours, such as a school or work schedule.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, rather than using the formal asignación de citas, you may hear pedir cita to mean 'request an appointment' or concertar una cita to mean 'make an appointment'. In Argentina, the verb juntarse might replace quedar.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoɡɾamaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, the word cita for an appointment can also mean a 'romantic date', which can cause confusion when scheduling professional meetings.
- When scheduling a social meeting, Spaniards often use the verb quedar, which literally means 'to remain' or 'to stay'.
- While programación covers technical scheduling, the word agenda is used for a personal daily schedule, and can also mean a 'hidden agenda' or 'ulterior motive' in a political context.
Examples in context
- La planificación del proyecto tomará varios meses.The project planning will take several months.
- Necesitaremos un responsable de la organización de horarios.We will need someone in charge of scheduling.
- ¿Quieres hacer planes para el fin de semana?Do you want to make plans for the weekend?
- Vamos a quedar mañana a las 6 en el café.Let's meet tomorrow at 6 o'clock at the café.
- Tenemos que concretar los detalles para la próxima semana.We need to finalize the details for next week.
- La reunión es a las 9 de la mañana.The meeting is at 9 in the morning.
- La programación de la reunión cambió.The scheduling of the meeting changed.
- Tengo que revisar la programación del evento.I have to check the event's scheduling.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing their work calendar.
- Daniel¿Ya viste la programación de las reuniones?Did you see the scheduling of the meetings yet?
- ElenaNo, Elena aún no la he revisado.No, I haven't reviewed it yet.
- DanielLa programación parece estar muy apretada hoy.The scheduling seems to be very tight today.
- ElenaTienes razón, Daniel, necesitamos más tiempo.You are right, Daniel, we need more time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry programación, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
