programar
/pɾoɡɾaˈmaɾ/
The Spanish phrase for to schedule is programar.
Both programar and agendar are used to mean setting a specific time and date for an event or appointment to happen. Note that programar has a dual meaning: it is used both for scheduling an appointment and for programming a computer or a device.
Which one should you use?
While both verbs mean to schedule, programar can also mean to program a computer or a device, which distinguishes its use from agendar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, agendar is more commonly used than programar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of programar is programado, which can be used as an adjective meaning 'scheduled'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoɡɾaˈmaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, programar can be used to describe the 'scheduling' of a flight or a train, whereas agendar is almost exclusively used for human appointments.
- While an English speaker says 'I have a schedule', a Spanish speaker might say 'Tengo una agenda', using a noun that refers to a physical diary or organizer.
- The verb agendar is actually a relatively modern way to say 'to schedule', derived from the noun for a desk calendar or appointment book.
Examples in context
- Debemos agendar la reunión para el próximo martes.We need to schedule the meeting for next Tuesday.
- Esperamos poder programar una cita para la próxima semana.We hope to schedule an appointment for next week.
- Vamos a poner fecha para salir al cine.Let's schedule a date to go to the movies.
- María y yo tenemos que concertar una reunión la semana que viene.Maria and I have to schedule a meeting next week.
- Voy a programar una reunión para el lunes.I am going to schedule a meeting for Monday.
- Necesito programar una cita médica.I need to schedule a medical appointment.
- ¿Podemos programar la reunión para el lunes?Can we schedule the meeting for Monday?
- Ella va a programar el viaje mañana.She is going to schedule the trip tomorrow.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing their work tasks in an office.
- LucíaMateo, ¿puedes programar la entrevista para mañana?Mateo, can you schedule the interview for tomorrow?
- MateoSí, yo la programaré ahora mismo.Yes, I will schedule it right now.
- LucíaGracias, es muy importante para ella.Thank you, it is very important for her.
- MateoNo hay problema, Lucía.No problem, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry programar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
