Inklingo
← Dictionary

calidad

/kah-lee-DAD/

quality

A single, perfectly formed, bright red apple sitting on a simple wooden pedestal, highlighting its flawless quality and standard of excellence.

When something is of high 'calidad' (quality), it meets a standard of excellence, like this perfect apple.

calidad(noun)

fA2

quality

?

standard of excellence

Also:

standard

?

level of goodness

,

excellence

?

high degree of worth

📝 In Action

Esta tienda solo vende ropa de alta calidad.

A2

This store only sells high-quality clothing.

El control de calidad es muy estricto en esta fábrica.

B1

Quality control is very strict in this factory.

La calidad de vida en la ciudad ha mejorado mucho.

B2

The quality of life in the city has improved a lot.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • mediocridad (mediocrity)
  • defecto (defect)

Common Collocations

  • alta calidad – high quality
  • baja calidad – low quality
  • control de calidad – quality control

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Remember to use feminine articles and adjectives with 'calidad': 'la calidad excelente' (the excellent quality).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Calidad vs. Cualidad

Mistake: "Using 'cualidad' when referring to the standard of a product."

Correction: Use 'calidad' (the standard of goodness). 'Cualidad' means a specific trait or characteristic (e.g., patience is a cualidad).

⭐ Usage Tips

Use 'de' to describe

To say something has good quality, use 'de alta calidad' or 'de buena calidad' (of high/good quality), not just 'calidad'.

A cheerful chef wearing a tall white hat and apron, actively stirring a pot, illustrating their professional capacity or role.

'Calidad' can also refer to someone's professional role or official function (capacity), such as the role of a chef.

calidad(noun)

fB2

capacity

?

role or official function

Also:

role

?

position held

📝 In Action

Firmó el contrato en calidad de representante legal de la empresa.

B2

He signed the contract in the capacity of the company's legal representative.

Asistieron al evento en calidad de invitados especiales.

C1

They attended the event in the role of special guests.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • en calidad de – in the capacity/role of

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Phrase

This meaning almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'en calidad de...' (in the role of...), meaning you are acting as something or someone.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use for Official Roles

Reserve this meaning for formal situations, like legal documents, official correspondence, or describing professional roles.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: calidad

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'calidad' to mean the standard of a product?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

calificar(to rate, to qualify) - verb
cualidad(quality, trait, characteristic) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'calidad' masculine or feminine?

'Calidad' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la calidad' and feminine adjectives to describe it, even though it ends in '-d'.

What is the difference between 'calidad' and 'cualidad'?

'Calidad' means how good something is (the standard). 'Cualidad' means a specific trait or characteristic (e.g., being tall or being patient are 'cualidades').