escala

/es-KAH-lah/

scale

A massive green tree standing next to a tiny, identical miniature model of the tree, illustrating a size ratio.

Escala (scale) refers to the ratio representing the size of an object compared to its actual size.

escala(noun)

fA2

scale

measurement, ratio, size representation

Also:

range

series of values

level

degree or rank

📝 In Action

La escala del mapa es de uno a diez mil.

The scale of the map is one to ten thousand.

Necesitamos medir la temperatura en la escala Celsius.

We need to measure the temperature on the Celsius scale.

Word Connections

Synonyms

proporción (proportion)
medida (measurement)

Common Collocations

a gran escala – on a large scale
escala de valores – scale of values

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Remember that 'escala' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la escala' or 'una escala' before it.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'a escala'

To say something is 'to scale' or 'on a specific scale', use the structure 'a escala': 'dibujo a escala' (drawing to scale).

A large passenger airplane parked on a sunny tarmac next to a small airport terminal, representing a layover.

When traveling, an escala (stopover) is a temporary pause or layover before continuing the journey.

escala(noun)

fB1

stopover

travel, layover

Also:

port of call

ship travel

📝 In Action

Nuestro vuelo tiene una escala de dos horas en Panamá.

Our flight has a two-hour stopover in Panama.

Hicimos escala en un puerto antes de cruzar el océano.

We made a port of call before crossing the ocean.

Word Connections

Synonyms

parada (stop)
detención (detention/stop (formal))

Common Collocations

hacer escala – to make a stopover/layover
vuelo sin escala – non-stop flight

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Hacer'

When talking about making a stopover, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer escala'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Escala' and 'Parada'

Mistake: "Using 'parada' for a flight layover."

Correction: 'Parada' is typically for buses or trains. Use 'escala' for planes or ships.

A tall, rustic wooden ladder with rungs leaning against a red brick wall.

Although less common, escala can sometimes refer to a simple climbing ladder.

escala(noun)

fB2

ladder

physical device for climbing (less common than 'escalera')

gangway

ship's access ramp

Also:

scale

music theory

📝 In Action

El marinero subió por la escala del barco.

The sailor climbed up the ship's ladder/gangway.

Practicamos la escala de do mayor en clase de música.

We practiced the C major scale in music class.

Word Connections

Synonyms

escalera (stairs/ladder (general term))
rampa (ramp)

Common Collocations

escala musical – musical scale

💡 Grammar Points

Escala vs. Escalera

While both mean 'ladder' or 'stairs,' 'escalera' is the common word for a staircase or a portable ladder. 'Escala' often refers to a fixed ladder, like on a ship or in technical drawings.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: escala

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'escala' in the context of travel?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

escalar(to climb, to scale (verb)) - verb

escalera(stairs, staircase, ladder) - noun

escalamiento(scaling, climbing) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'escala' the same as 'escalera'?

No, they are related but usually different! 'Escalera' is the general word for stairs or a portable ladder you might use at home. 'Escala' usually refers to a specific type of ladder (like a ship's gangway) or, more commonly, a measurement scale or a travel stopover.

What is the verb form related to 'escala'?

The infinitive verb is 'escalar,' meaning 'to climb' or 'to scale.' The word 'escala' is actually the form used when saying 'he/she/it climbs' (él/ella escala).