hecho a medida
/et͡ʃo a medida/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "tailor made" is hecho a medida.
The phrase is used to describe something that has been specially made for a particular person or a specific purpose.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hecho, meaning "made" and a medida, meaning "to measure" or "to size".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the shorter form a medida is frequently used. In Latin America, personalizado is more common.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. For example, use the feminine hecha a medida to agree with a feminine noun like solución (solution) and use the masculine plural hechos a medida to agree with masculine plural nouns like trajes (suits).
How do you pronounce it?
/etʃo a medida/
Did you know?
- The phrase hecho a medida can be used sarcastically to describe a law or rule that seems designed to benefit only one specific person.
- The word hecho is a linguistic relative of the English word 'fact'. Both derive from the Latin 'factum', meaning 'something done'.
- Spanish uses medida to describe both physical size and the 'moderation' of an emotion or behavior.
Examples in context
- un traje a medidaA tailor-made suit
- un viaje a medidaA tailor-made trip
- un servicio personalizadoA tailor-made service
- una experiencia personalizadaA tailor-made experience
- un vestido hecho a la medidaA tailor-made dress
- una cena a medidaA tailor-made dinner
- una fiesta a medidaA tailor-made party
- un regalo personalizadoA tailor-made gift
- una tarjeta personalizadaA tailor-made card
- Un vestido a medida en Barcelona es perfecto para ocasiones especiales.A tailor-made dress in Barcelona is perfect for special occasions.
- Es un servicio hecho a medida.It is a tailor-made service.
- Buscamos un programa hecho a medida para la empresa.We are looking for a tailor made program for the company.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a new software service for her business.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿necesitas un software genérico?Sofía, do you need generic software?
- SofíaNo, prefiero algo hecho a medida.No, I prefer something tailor made.
- AlejandroPuedo diseñarte un sistema hecho a medida.I can design a tailor made system for you.
- SofíaEso sería perfecto para mi negocio.That would be perfect for my business.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, hecho, medida, CC BY-SA 4.0.
