Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cinta métrica | /θinta metɾika/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /sinta metɾika/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
| metro | /ˈmetɾo/ | masculine |
| flexómetro | /fleɡsometɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| lienza | /ljenθa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /ljensa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
Cuba, feminine |
| cinta de/para medir | feminine |
A tape measure is a graduated ribbon used for measuring length.
What does it mean word for word?
The term cinta métrica is composed of cinta (meaning tape or ribbon) and métrica (meaning metric or measuring).
Which one should you use?
While cinta métrica is a general term for any measuring tape, flexómetro specifically refers to the retractable metal tape measure often used in construction. In many Spanish-speaking countries, metro is used colloquially to refer to a tape measure, even though its primary meaning is the unit of length 'meter'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cuba, the word lienza is used to refer to a tape measure.
How does it change in a sentence?
cinta métrica and cinta de/para medir are feminine nouns. metro and flexómetro are masculine nouns. lienza is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/θinta metɾika/
Did you know?
- While metro comes from the Greek métron for 'measure', the Spanish word for subway is a clipping of the French métropolitain.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word metro is used as a synecdoche, where the name of the unit of measurement stands in for the tool itself.
Examples in context
- En mi trabajo, a veces simplemente determino un área con una cinta métrica.In my work, I sometimes simply determine an area with a tape measure.This sentence shows how to use cinta métrica when describing an action in a professional context.Tatoeba #1941524 by hayastan, translation #540370 by blay_paul
- Necesito una cinta métrica para el proyecto.I need a tape measure for the project.
- La cinta métrica está en el cajón.The tape measure is in the drawer.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are measuring a table in their living room.
- Mateo¿Puedes buscar mi cinta métrica, Sofía?Can you look for my tape measure, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, la tengo aquí mismo.Yes, I have it right here.
- MateoGracias, mide la mesa por favor.Thanks, measure the table please.
- SofíaClaro, la mesa es bastante larga.Sure, the table is quite long.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tape measure” translations and entries cinta métrica, metro, flexómetro, lienza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cinta, metro, métrica, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
