y medio
/i medjo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "and a half" is expressed in Spanish using y medio.
This phrase is used after a number to indicate an additional half of a unit.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase y medio literally translates to "and half".
How does it change in a sentence?
The gender agreement of 'media' depends on the noun it modifies, not the number preceding it. If the noun is masculine and singular, use the masculine form y medio, such as in un kilo y medio (one and a half kilos). If the noun is feminine and singular, use the feminine form y media, such as in una hora y media (an hour and a half) or dos horas y media (two and a half hours).
Did you know?
- The word medio is actually a linguistic replacement. It was adopted to avoid a form that sounded too much like the vulgar verb mear, which means 'to piss'.
- If you are describing a person who can contact the dead, you use the same word, medio, as you do when describing 'one and a half' kilos of flour.
Examples in context
- Nos queda un minuto y medio.We have a minute and a half left.This sentence shows how to use y medio with a time unit.Tatoeba #13545155 by Seael, translation #3312425 by CK
- Ahora tenemos un millón y medio de miembros.Now we have one and a half million members.This sentence demonstrates using y medio with a large number of members.Tatoeba #12134975 by Shishir, translation #13024709 by araneo
- El número de frases en Tatoeba ha superado el millón y medio.The number of sentences on Tatoeba has surpassed one and a half million.This sentence illustrates the use of y medio with a large number of sentences.Tatoeba #2344870 by marcelostockle, translation #7633937 by kaesekaiser
- Compré dos kilos y medio de manzanas.I bought two and a half kilos of apples.
- El evento duró dos horas y media.The event lasted two and a half hours.
- Tengo un coche y medio.I have one and a half car(s).
- Quiero una hora y media de descanso.I want an hour and a half of rest.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Javier are discussing their travel plans.
- MaríaEl viaje dura dos horas y medio.The trip lasts two and a half hours.
- JavierEso no es mucho tiempo.That is not much time.
- MaríaSí, llegaremos pronto a la ciudad.Yes, we will arrive at the city soon.
- JavierPerfecto, entonces podemos cenar juntos.Perfect, then we can have dinner together.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries medio, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
