a corto plazo
adverbCEFR B1
What does “a corto plazo” mean in English?
in the short term, short-term
in the short term, short-term (as adverb: a corto plazo vale la pena; adjectival: de corto plazo)
Example sentences
A corto plazo pensamos quedarnos en este apartamento, pero a largo plazo nos gustaría tener nuestra propia casa con jardín si la situación económica nos lo permite.
In the short term we plan to stay in this flat, but in the long term we would like to have our own house with a garden if the economic situation allows it.
Comprendo que aplazar la decisión es más cómodo a corto plazo, pero tarde o temprano tendremos que enfrentarnos al problema si queremos avanzar.
I understand that postponing the decision is more comfortable in the short term, but sooner or later we will have to face the problem if we want to make progress.
Una inversión de este tipo puede parecer arriesgada a corto plazo; sin embargo, los expertos prevén que los beneficios serán considerables dentro de cinco años.
This type of investment may seem risky in the short term; however, experts predict that returns will be considerable within five years.
How to use it
A corto plazo is an adverbial phrase meaning 'in the short term' or 'short-term' (as an adverb). Plazo means 'timeframe' or 'period' — not 'plan' (which is plan or planificación). The contrast pair a corto plazo / a largo plazo is essential for B1 discussions of goals, investment, and life decisions. When used adjectivally before a noun (modifying a noun), the form changes to de corto plazo: una solución de corto plazo (a short-term solution). Medioplazo (mid-term) is a less frequent but valid variant.
Common mistake
Do not confuse plazo (timeframe / deadline) with plan (plan / scheme). 'A short-term plan' is un plan a corto plazo, not *un plazo corto. Also, a corto plazo is an adverbial phrase — for adjectival use before a noun, use de corto plazo: una medida de corto plazo. The mistake of saying 'en el corto plazo' (a calque from English) exists but is less idiomatic than a corto plazo.