Tiempo vs. plazo

[Aprendo]

Hi,

My Spanish teacher noted my incorrect usage of "plazo" today and noted the difference between "tiempo" and "plazo."

However, she can only do conversation and her explanation was not clear.


If anyone can help clarify the differences, I'd be grateful.

Gracias.

[aleCcowaN]

tiempo is what the clock tells, what goes by and what doesn't make us any younger

lapso is a certain time span (avoid saying lapso de tiempo, like many uneducated natives do), and

plazo is the time span or date that has been set for something to happen

dale tiempo al tiempo = time is the great healer
a su debido tiempo = all in due time
sólo el tiempo lo dirá = only time will tell

en el lapso de diez días = in 10 days
y en ese mismo lapso... = and meanwhile...

y en un plazo de 10 días nos volveremos a reunir = and we will meet again in ten days time
si en el plazo de 90 días el ocupante no desocupa la propiedad... = if the squatter hasn't vacated the property in 90 days time...
se vende en cómodos plazos = it is sold to pay in affordable instalments
el título es a un plazo de 180 días, así que su fecha de vencimiento es el 8 de diciembre = it's a 180-day bond, so its maturity date is December 8th

[Aprendo]

Thanks AleC!!

Muchas gracias!

[aleCcowaN]

You're welcome!