nivelar
/nibeˈlaɾ/
The English phrase "even it out" is translated into Spanish as nivelar.
nivelar is used to describe making a physical surface flat, such as a floor or to describe bringing abstract concepts, such as values or levels, to a standard.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say "even it out" in reference to an object, you attach a pronoun to the end of the infinitive nivelar. Use nivelarlo if the object is masculine and nivelarla if the object is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/nibeˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, nivelar is used in education to describe 'bridging' courses that bring students of different academic backgrounds to the same standard.
- The word nivelar shares the same Latin root as the English word 'level', both deriving from 'libella', a small scale used by ancient builders.
- The term nivelador can refer to both a mechanical construction tool and a person or movement seeking social equality.
Examples in context
- Debemos equilibrar los ingresos y gastosWe need to even out the income and expenses
- Es importante igualar las oportunidadesIt's important to even out the opportunities
- El objetivo es ajustar la distribuciónThe goal is to even out the distribution
- Voy a arreglar las cuentasI'm going to even out the accounts
- Empareja los lados para que queden igualesEven out the sides so they match
- Necesitamos nivelar el terreno.We need to level the ground.
- Necesitamos nivelar el suelo de la cocina.We need to even out the kitchen floor.
- El carpintero debe nivelar la mesa.The carpenter must even out the table.
- Puedes nivelar el terreno con una pala.You can even out the ground with a shovel.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are working in their new garden.
- MateoElena, la tierra está muy irregular.Elena, the ground is very uneven.
- ElenaTienes razón, hay que nivelar el terreno.You're right, we have to even out the ground.
- Mateo¿Usamos la herramienta para nivelar?Shall we use the tool to even it out?
- ElenaSí, así quedará perfecto.Yes, that way it will be perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nivelar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nivelar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
