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categoría

kah-teh-goh-REE-ah/kateɣoˈɾia/

“categoría” means “category” in Spanish (classification or grouping).

category, class

Also: rank, caliber
NounfB1
A close-up view of three perfectly separated groups of fruit on a surface: a pile of red apples, a pile of yellow bananas, and a pile of purple grapes, illustrating classification.

📝 In Action

Los productos se dividen en tres categorías: A, B y C.

A2

The products are divided into three categories: A, B, and C.

Ella es una atleta de categoría mundial.

B1

She is an athlete of world-class caliber.

Necesitamos subir de categoría profesional para obtener un mejor salario.

B2

We need to move up in professional rank to get a better salary.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • primera categoría – first class / top standard
  • subir de categoría – to move up a rank

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: categoría

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'categoría' to mean 'high quality' or 'caliber'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
categorizar(to categorize) — Verb
categórico(categorical / absolute) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
alegríabiología
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Greek *katēgoria*, meaning 'statement' or 'accusation.' It passed through Latin and evolved to mean 'a class or division' in philosophical terms, which is how we use it today for sorting and ranking things.

First recorded: Mid-15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: categoryPortuguese: categoria

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'categoría' only refer to formal classifications?

No. While it is used in formal settings (sports ranks, job titles), you can also use it informally to describe the high quality or 'class' of a person or thing, like saying someone 'tiene mucha categoría' (has a lot of class/dignity).