medidas
/medidas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "measurements" is translated into Spanish as medidas.
The word medidas is used to refer to physical dimensions, such as the size of a room or clothing-related measurements. It can also mean "measures" in the sense of actions taken to achieve a goal or precautions. If you are referring to technical or scientific measurements, such as those performed in a laboratory, the term mediciones is more appropriate.
Which one should you use?
medidas refers to physical dimensions or precautions, whereas mediciones is used for technical, scientific or formal measurement processes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is medida.
How do you pronounce it?
/medidas/
Did you know?
- The expression medir fuerzas literally means 'to measure strengths' but is used idiomatically to mean 'testing one's limits' or 'comparing power' with an opponent.
- The word medida is also used to describe a 'moderate' or 'temperate' person, as in un hombre de medida. It suggests a person who possesses self-control and balance.
- In Spanish, the word medida is used in the phrase a medida que, which means 'as' or 'in proportion to'. It describes two actions happening simultaneously, such as 'as time goes by'.
Examples in context
- La costurera tomó las medidas de Mary.The dressmaker took Mary's measurements.This sentence is useful for showing how to use medidas when discussing a dressmaker taking measurements.Tatoeba #5920464 by albrusgher, translation #2771451 by sharptoothed
- La distancia es de dos kilómetros.The distance is two kilometers.
- El peso del producto es de medio kilogramo.The weight of the product is half a kilogram.
- El paquete pesa como una libra.The package weighs about a pound.
- La capacidad del tanque es de cinco litros.The tank's capacity is five liters.
- La botella tiene como dos litros de agua.The bottle has about two liters of water.
- La temperatura hoy es de 25 grados Celsius.The temperature today is 25 degrees Celsius.
- Hace como 80 grados Fahrenheit afuera.It's about 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
- Necesitamos las medidas para el nuevo mueble.We need the measurements for the new piece of furniture.
- Las medidas de la habitación son correctas.The measurements of the room are correct.
Example conversation
Javier and María are checking a furniture catalog at home.
- JavierMaría, ¿tienes las medidas de la mesa?María, do you have the measurements of the table?
- MaríaSí, las medidas están en el catálogo.Yes, the measurements are in the catalog.
- JavierPerfecto, comprueba si caben en el salón.Perfect, check if they fit in the living room.
- MaríaLo haré ahora mismo, Javier.I will do it right now, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
