báscula
/baskula/from spelling rules
The Spanish term for weight scale is báscula.
A báscula is a device used to measure the weight of a person or an object. If you are referring specifically to a scale designed for weighing infants, the formal term is Pesabebés.
Which one should you use?
Use báscula for scales used for heavy objects or large quantities. In contrast, balanza is often used for more precise laboratory or commercial scales. Additionally, do not confuse the device báscula with pesa, which refers to the actual weight or a physical weight used for calibration.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say 'to weigh oneself' using a scale, use the reflexive verb pesarse.
How do you pronounce it?
/baskula/
Did you know?
- The English word 'bascule', which describes a type of pivoting drawbridge, is a direct linguistic relative of the Spanish báscula.
- While báscula refers to the machine, the word peso is used for both the measurement of weight and the currency of several Latin American countries.
- In some contexts, balanza is used metaphorically in the phrase poner en una balanza, meaning to weigh the pros and cons of a decision.
Examples in context
- Mi abuela utiliza la pesa para pesar la carne en la cocina.My grandmother uses the meat scale to weigh the meat in the kitchen.
- Me subí a la báscula para ver cuánto pesaba.I stepped on the scale to see how much I weighed.
- La báscula está en el baño.The weight scale is in the bathroom.
- Necesito una báscula nueva para la cocina.I need a new weight scale for the kitchen.
- Esa báscula no funciona bien.That weight scale does not work well.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are in their bathroom checking equipment.
- María¿Dónde dejaste la báscula, Daniel?Where did you leave the weight scale, Daniel?
- DanielEstá detrás de la puerta.It is behind the door.
- MaríaGracias, la voy a usar ahora.Thanks, I am going to use it now.
- DanielTen cuidado con ella.Be careful with it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries báscula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
