escala móvil
/eskala mobil/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for sliding scale is escala móvil.
A sliding scale refers to a pricing system where the cost of a service varies based on the client's income or their ability to pay.
Which one should you use?
escala variable is a specific variation used in more formal settings.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word móvil shares a Latin root with the word mueble, meaning 'furniture', because both describe things that can be moved.
- In a maritime context, escala refers to a 'stopover' or a 'port of call' for a ship, which is a quite different way of using the concept of a scale.
- While 'sliding scale' in English suggests movement, the Spanish escala móvil uses a word that can also mean 'cell phone' in many Latin American countries.
Examples in context
- La universidad ha implementado una escala variable de matrícula para adaptarse a diferentes ingresos económicos.The university has implemented a variable tuition scale to accommodate different income levels.
- En esta comunidad, se aplica una tarifa que varía según los ingresos económicos de cada familia.In this community, a fee is applied that varies according to the economic income of each family.
- Ofrecemos una escala móvil según tus ingresos.We offer a sliding scale based on your income.
- El centro utiliza una escala móvil para las consultas.The center uses a sliding scale for consultations.
Example conversation
Lucía is asking Javier about the cost of his professional services.
- LucíaJavier, ¿cuánto cuesta tu consulta psicológica?Javier, how much does your psychology consultation cost?
- JavierDepende, porque yo trabajo con una escala móvil.It depends, because I work with a sliding scale.
- LucíaEso es genial para quienes tienen pocos ingresos.That is great for those who have low income.
- JavierSí, quiero que mis servicios sean accesibles.Yes, I want my services to be accessible.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries escala, móvil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
