week
The word 'semana' in Spanish is equivalent to 'week' in English. It is commonly used to refer to the seven-day period which is the standard measure of time used in many cultures around the world. It can also be used in other contexts such as la próxima semana (next week), la semana pasada (last week), once a la semana (once a week), etc.
I am planning a trip next week
In this sentence, 'semana' denotes a time period, specifically a week. It is used to indicate when the speaker is planning to go on a trip.
I was sick all week
Here, 'semana' refers to the entirety of the past week during which the speaker was suffering from an illness.
Last week I studied a lot for the exam
This sentence uses 'semana' to specify a previous week when the speaker dedicated a lot of time to preparing for an examination.
Please return my book before the end of the week
In this example, 'semana' is used to set a deadline - the end of the current week - by which the speaker wants their book returned.
This week is going to be very hard
Here, 'semana' refers to the present week, which the speaker anticipates will be challenging.
Every week, I visit my grandparents
This sentence uses 'semana' to establish a regular frequency with which the speaker visits their grandparents.
I'm going to be out of town for a week
Here, 'semana' expresses the duration, specifically a week, for which the speaker will be away from the city.
The week has seven days
This sentence uses 'semana' to make a factual statement about the number of days in a week.
I start my new job the following week
In this phrase, 'semana' represents the coming week when a new job is set to begin for the speaker.
I worked more hours this week than last week
In this instance, 'semana' is used twice to compare two different weeks on the basis of the number of hours worked in each.