kelvin
/ˈkelbin/masculine
The English phrase "kelvin" is translated into Spanish as kelvin.
kelvin is the masculine noun used to denote the SI unit of temperature. When expressing a measurement, it is common to omit the word grados (degrees) and simply say kelvin after the numerical value.
Meaning: SI temperature unit (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun. In the context of the Kelvin scale, you may use the phrase la escala Kelvin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkelbin/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying grados kelvin. Although English speakers often say "degrees Kelvin", in Spanish you should use the unit kelvin without the word grados.
Did you know?
- While the English pronunciation of 'Kelvin' relies on a soft 'v', Spanish speakers often transform this into a clear 'b' sound, pronouncing the unit as kelbin.
- To describe the point of 0 kelvin in casual conversation, Spanish speakers typically use the term cero absoluto instead of the unit name.
- Spanish scientific manuals explicitly warn against the 'Anglicism' of saying grados kelvin, as it is considered a grammatical error in professional contexts.
Examples in context
- Metro, kilogramo, segundo, amperio, kelvin, mol y candela son las unidades fundamentales del SI.Meter, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela are the fundamental units of the metric system.This sentence is useful for listing the fundamental SI units, including kelvin.Tatoeba #3338577 by hayastan, translation #12244003 by Miktsoanit
- La escala Kelvin se utiliza para medir temperaturas en la ciencia.The Kelvin scale is used to measure temperatures in science.
- La temperatura absoluta se mide en kelvin.Absolute temperature is measured in kelvin.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are studying physics together.
- JavierNecesito convertir estos grados a kelvin.I need to convert these degrees to kelvin.
- LucíaEs muy fácil, solo suma 273.15.It's very easy, just add 273.15.
- JavierGracias, Lucía, ya lo tengo.Thanks, Lucía, I've got it now.
- LucíaDe nada, Javier.You're welcome, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kelvin” translations and entries kelvin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
