longitud
/lonxiˈtud/feminine
The English word 'length' is translated into Spanish as longitud. Wiktionary also lists largo and eslora.
Meaning: distance along the longest dimension (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| longitud | /lonxiˈtud/ | feminine |
| largo | /ˈlaɾɡo/ | masculine |
| eslora | /esˈloɾa/ | feminine |
| largor | /laɾɡoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| largura | /laɾˈɡuɾa/ | feminine |
| largueza | /laɾˈɡeθa/ /laɾˈɡesa/ |
feminine |
It is used to describe the distance along the longest dimension of an object.
Which one should you use?
longitud is the abstract, technical or mathematical term for length. In contrast, largo is used more frequently in colloquial, everyday speech to refer to the length of a specific object. eslora, largor, largura and largueza are other forms available in the language.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that an object has a specific measurement, you can use the construction '[number] [unit] de largo', such as treinta metros de largo. To compare the length of two things, use the comparative phrase más largo que (longer than).
How do you pronounce it?
/lonxiˈtud/
Did you know?
- The term eslora entered the Spanish language via the Dutch word sloerie around 1575. This reflects the historical influence of Dutch shipbuilding and maritime trade.
- While longitud means 'length' in a general or mathematical sense, it is also the specific term for 'longitude' in geography.
- When discussing the length of a ship, sailors in Spanish will use the specific term eslora instead of the standard longitud or largo.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedes medir el largo?Can you measure the length?This example uses largo to ask about measuring a length.Tatoeba #7309285 by UsuarioX, translation #45019 by CK
- Midió la longitud de la cama.He measured the length of the bed.This example uses longitud to describe the measurement of a bed.Tatoeba #916346 by Munia, translation #288201 by CK
- Tiene treinta metros de largo.It is thirty meters in length.This example uses largo to state an object's measurement in meters.Tatoeba #5042558 by don_ramon, translation #42222 by CK
- La longitud de un puente puede afectar su estabilidad.The length of a bridge can affect its stability.
- La extensión de la carretera es de 200 kilómetros.The length of the road is 200 kilometers.
- El largo de esa cuerda es suficiente para atar el paquete.The length of that rope is enough to tie the package.
- Necesito saber la medida exacta de la habitación.I need to know the exact length of the room.
- La falda es de 70 centímetros de largo.The skirt is 70 centimeters long.
- El libro tiene 20 centímetros de largo y 15 centímetros de ancho.The book is 20 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide.
- La serpiente es más larga que el gusano.The snake is longer than the worm.
- La longitud del discurso del presidente fue inusualmente breve.The length of the president's speech was unusually short.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are measuring a new rug for the living room.
- Mateo¿Sabes cuál es la longitud de la alfombra?Do you know the length of the rug?
- ElenaCreo que mide tres metros de longitud.I think it is three meters in length.
- MateoElena, mide con cuidado para no equivocarte.Elena, measure carefully so you don't make a mistake.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Mateo, lo haré bien.Don't worry, Mateo, I will do it well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “length” translations and entries longitud, largo, eslora, largura, largueza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eslora, largo, longitud, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
