calidad
/kaliˈdad/feminine
The English word "quality" is translated into Spanish as calidad.
calidad refers to a level of excellence. You can use it in various common phrases such as calidad excepcional (exceptional quality), calidad garantizada (guaranteed quality) or alta calidad artesanal (high-quality craftsmanship).
Meaning: level of excellence (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial expression Pata negra is used to describe something that is top-notch or excellent.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun calidad is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la to say "the quality" (la calidad).
How do you pronounce it?
/kaliˈdad/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse calidad with calidez, which means "warmth" or "friendliness".
Did you know?
- The colloquial expression Pata negra uses the image of a black pig's hoof to signal that something is of the highest possible quality.
- In Spanish, you can describe a person as having calidad humana, which refers to their innate kindness and moral integrity rather than a professional standard.
- The term calidad is a doublet of cualidad. Although they share the same Latin origin, Spanish has evolved to use calidad for a standard of excellence and cualidad for a specific trait or characteristic.
Examples in context
- Tú pagas por calidad.You pay for quality.This sentence shows the use of calidad in the context of paying for a standard of excellence.Tatoeba #5939601 by albrusgher, translation #4501360 by CK
- La calidad es malísima.The quality is really bad.This sentence illustrates how to describe a very poor level of calidad.Tatoeba #7107732 by arh, translation #10241859 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Prefiero calidad a cantidad.I prefer quality to quantity.This sentence demonstrates a common preference for calidad over quantity.Tatoeba #532793 by Shishir, translation #262238 by CK
- ¡Esta pintura es de alta calidad artística!This painting is of high artistic quality!
- ¡Estos zapatos son de alta gama!These shoes are high-end!
- 69 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing a new restaurant.
- DanielLa comida de este lugar es muy buena.The food in this place is very good.
- LucíaSí, la calidad es impresionante.Yes, the quality is impressive.
- DanielEs cierto, Lucía, todo es fresco.It's true, Lucía, everything is fresh.
- LucíaDaniel, tenemos que volver pronto.Daniel, we have to come back soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quality” translations and entries calidad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calidad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
