medios
/ˈmedjos/
The Spanish word for 'means' (as in an instrument or condition for attaining a purpose) is medios.
In Spanish, medios refers to the instruments, methods or conditions used to achieve a specific goal.
Meaning: instrument or condition for attaining a purpose (noun)
Which one should you use?
While medios is the standard plural form used to describe methods or resources, the singular form medio can be used when referring to one specific method or instrument. Note that the word medio is polysemous and also commonly means 'middle' or 'half', so the context of your sentence will determine which meaning is intended.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form medio is used when referring to a single specific method, whereas medios is the plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmedjos/
Did you know?
- In the context of news and journalism, los medios is the standard shorthand for medios de comunicación, which translates to 'the means of communication'.
- The word medio can act as a noun for 'environment' in biology, such as medio ambiente for 'environment'. Here, it refers to the 'means' or surroundings in which a species lives.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if someone says por todos los medios, they are emphasizing a desperate or extreme level of effort to achieve something.
Examples in context
- ¿El fin justifica los medios?Does the end justify the means?This sentence is useful for the phrase 'Does the end justify the means?' using medios.Tatoeba #587997 by Leono, translation #323823 by CK
- Se mejoraron los medios de transporte.Means of transport were improved.This sentence is useful for describing how 'means of transport' were improved using medios.Tatoeba #1315113 by marcelostockle, translation #1315212 by marcelostockle
- Tratamos por todos los medios posibles.We tried all means possible.This sentence is useful for expressing that one tried 'all means possible' using medios.Tatoeba #539194 by Leono, translation #67408 by CM
- Estudiar significa adquirir conocimiento.Studying means acquiring knowledge.
- Esta decisión implica grandes responsabilidades.This decision entails great responsibilities.
- Su éxito equivale a años de trabajo arduo.His success means years of hard work.
- No puedo ir al cine esta noche, quiero decir, tengo otros planes.I can't go to the movies tonight, I mean, I have other plans.
- Me gusta todo tipo de música, o sea, pop, rock y salsa.I like all kinds of music, that is to say, pop, rock, and salsa.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing how to pay for a trip.
- MaríaNo tenemos los medios para ir a Europa.We do not have the means to go to Europe.
- MateoPodemos buscar otros medios para ahorrar dinero.We can look for other means to save money.
- María¿Qué medios tienes en mente?What means do you have in mind?
- MateoTal vez vender el coche viejo.Maybe selling the old car.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry medios, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
