Meaning
Over a short period of time, in the immediate future.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'a la corta' is frequently used in political debates to criticize 'cortoplacismo' (short-termism), a common complaint about government policies. Argentines often use this phrase when discussing the economy, specifically inflation and the 'blue' dollar, where things change 'a la corta'. While 'ahorita' is the king of time expressions in Mexico, 'a la corta' is used in more serious or analytical discussions about business or family planning. In Colombia, the phrase is often heard in the context of 'remedios caseros' (home remedies) that work 'a la corta' for a cold.
The Power Pair
Always try to use 'a la corta' in the same paragraph as 'a la larga'. It makes you sound incredibly balanced and fluent.
Gender Trap
Never say 'a el corto'. Even though 'tiempo' is masculine, the phrase is fixed as feminine.
Meaning
Over a short period of time, in the immediate future.
The Power Pair
Always try to use 'a la corta' in the same paragraph as 'a la larga'. It makes you sound incredibly balanced and fluent.
Gender Trap
Never say 'a el corto'. Even though 'tiempo' is masculine, the phrase is fixed as feminine.
Business vs. Street
Use 'a corto plazo' in your emails, but 'a la corta' when grabbing a beer with colleagues.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta de la expresión.
No te preocupes por el futuro lejano; piensa en lo que necesitamos ________.
'A la corta' is the fixed idiomatic expression for 'in the short term'.
¿Cuál de estas frases es más natural para un hablante nativo?
Talking about a temporary solution for a broken window.
'A la corta' is the most natural way to describe a temporary, short-term fix.
Completa el diálogo.
Juan: ¿Crees que el jefe aceptará mi propuesta? Maria: ________ sí, pero luego pedirá cambios.
The context implies an immediate 'yes' followed by later changes, so 'a la corta' is correct.
Empareja la situación con la frase correcta.
Situación: Estás analizando por qué una empresa ganó dinero rápido pero luego quebró.
Winning money quickly refers to the short term.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
A la corta vs. A la larga
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo te preocupes por el futuro lejano; piensa en lo que necesitamos ________.
'A la corta' is the fixed idiomatic expression for 'in the short term'.
Talking about a temporary solution for a broken window.
'A la corta' is the most natural way to describe a temporary, short-term fix.
Juan: ¿Crees que el jefe aceptará mi propuesta? Maria: ________ sí, pero luego pedirá cambios.
The context implies an immediate 'yes' followed by later changes, so 'a la corta' is correct.
Situación: Estás analizando por qué una empresa ganó dinero rápido pero luego quebró.
Winning money quickly refers to the short term.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. It's fine for a meeting, but 'a corto plazo' is more professional.
No, use 'corto/a' or 'a corta distancia' for physical things.
Sort of, but it specifically means 'during the short term' or 'initially'.
Yes, though 'a corto plazo' is slightly more dominant there.
It likely comes from 'la vía corta' (the short way), where 'vía' is feminine.
No, that is redundant. Just say 'a la corta'.
The opposite is 'a la larga' (in the long run).
Yes, authors use it to contrast immediate feelings with destiny.
Yes, to describe a short-term period in the past.
No, it is a standard idiomatic expression.
Related Phrases
A la larga
contrastIn the long run
A corto plazo
synonymIn the short term
De un momento a otro
similarAny moment now
Tarde o temprano
similarSooner or later
En breve
similarShortly
