Meaning
Over a short period of time; soon.
Cultural Background
In Spanish business culture, 'a corto plazo' is often used to justify 'parches' (quick fixes) to avoid deeper structural changes, a topic of much debate in local media. The term is widely used in the 'Emprendimiento' (startup) scene in Mexico City, where 'short-term' often means 'before the next funding round'. Due to historical economic volatility, 'a corto plazo' in Argentina can literally mean 'this week', as long-term planning is often difficult. The contrast between 'corto' and 'largo' plazo is a standard rhetorical device in political speeches across Latin America to show a 'balanced' vision.
The Business Essential
If you are using Spanish for work, this is a top-10 phrase. Use it to sound more strategic and organized.
Don't use for 'Soon'
If your friend asks when you're arriving, don't say 'a corto plazo'. Say 'llego pronto' or 'en un rato'.
Meaning
Over a short period of time; soon.
The Business Essential
If you are using Spanish for work, this is a top-10 phrase. Use it to sound more strategic and organized.
Don't use for 'Soon'
If your friend asks when you're arriving, don't say 'a corto plazo'. Say 'llego pronto' or 'en un rato'.
The 'En el' Variation
If you want to sound more like a native from Mexico or Argentina, try using 'en el corto plazo' instead of 'a corto plazo'.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la expresión correcta.
No te preocupes por los problemas de hoy; son solo ____.
The standard expression for 'short term' is 'a corto plazo'.
Selecciona la opción que mejor encaja en un contexto de negocios.
Nuestra estrategia ____ es aumentar las ventas un 5%.
'A corto plazo' is the professional way to describe business goals.
Empareja la meta con el plazo lógico.
Meta: 'Aprender 10 palabras nuevas hoy'.
Learning 10 words is an immediate, short-term task.
Termina el diálogo de forma natural.
—¿Crees que la economía mejorará pronto? —____, no lo creo, pero a largo plazo sí.
This contrasts perfectly with 'a largo plazo' in the second half of the sentence.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Plazos de Tiempo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo te preocupes por los problemas de hoy; son solo ____.
The standard expression for 'short term' is 'a corto plazo'.
Nuestra estrategia ____ es aumentar las ventas un 5%.
'A corto plazo' is the professional way to describe business goals.
Meta: 'Aprender 10 palabras nuevas hoy'.
Learning 10 words is an immediate, short-term task.
—¿Crees que la economía mejorará pronto? —____, no lo creo, pero a largo plazo sí.
This contrasts perfectly with 'a largo plazo' in the second half of the sentence.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. It's perfect for the office but also fine for talking about your personal diet.
No, that sounds like you're talking about the length of a movie or a battery life, not a plan.
There is no fixed number, but in business, it usually means less than a year.
It is 'a corto plazo' (no article) or 'en el corto plazo'. 'Al corto plazo' is incorrect.
Just put it after the noun: 'un préstamo a corto plazo' (a short-term loan).
No, it stays 'a corto plazo' even if the noun is plural: 'los planes a corto plazo'.
Usually, yes. It implies you are being 'short-sighted' and ignoring future problems.
Yes! 'Mi meta a corto plazo es viajar a Perú' is a great sentence.
'Pronto' is an adverb meaning 'soon'. 'A corto plazo' is a more formal timeframe for goals and effects.
Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Chile.
Related Phrases
A largo plazo
contrastIn the long term.
A medio plazo
similarIn the medium term.
De inmediato
similarImmediately.
Cortoplacismo
specialized formShort-termism.
