tamaño mediano
/tamaɲo medjano/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "medium size" is tamaño mediano.
Tamaño mediano is used to describe something that is neither small nor large. You may also encounter tamaño intermedio to mean "intermediate size" or tamaño moderado to mean "moderate size". In many contexts, such as clothing or food portions, you can simply use the adjective mediano (masculine) or mediana (feminine) instead of the full phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun tamaño (size) and the adjective mediano (medium).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people might use the term mediano instead of medio when talking about proportions or quantities.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because tamaño is a masculine noun, the adjective must be the masculine form mediano. To express the plural "medium sizes", both the noun and the adjective must be changed to their masculine plural forms: tamaños medianos.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using tamaño mediana. Because tamaño is masculine, you must use the masculine adjective mediano.
Did you know?
- The word tamaño actually traces its roots back to the Latin phrase 'tam magnus', which literally meant 'so big'.
- While mediano refers to physical size, the word medio can mean 'half' or 'middle'. Using the wrong one might lead a waiter to bring you 'half a soda' instead of a 'medium soda'.
- When discussing a 'medium' level of heat for cooking or a 'medium' steak, Spanish speakers often switch from mediano to término medio.
Examples in context
- Tom quiere un perro de tamaño mediano.Tom wants a medium-size dog.Tatoeba #10823726 by Luornu, translation #8075173 by CK
- Sami quería un perro de tamaño mediano.Sami wanted a medium-size dog.Tatoeba #10823724 by Luornu, translation #7317614 by OsoHombre
- Tengo una camisa de tamaño mediano.I have a medium-sized shirt.
- La mochila tiene un tamaño mediano.The backpack is medium-sized.
- Me gusta la pizza de tamaño mediano.I like medium-sized pizza.
- Quiero una botella de agua de tamaño mediano.I want a medium-sized bottle of water.
- ¿Tienes una camiseta en talla mediana?Do you have a t-shirt in medium size?
- Los pantalones de talla mediana me quedan perfectos.Medium-sized pants fit me perfectly.
- un refresco medianoA medium-sized soda
- Busco una caja de tamaño mediano.I am looking for a medium size box.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are buying a pizza together.
- Daniel¿Qué pizza pedimos hoy, Sofía?What pizza should we order today, Sofía?
- SofíaUna de tamaño mediano es suficiente.A medium size one is enough.
- DanielEstá bien, yo la pido ahora.All right, I will order it now.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel.Thank you, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mediano, tamaño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
