medida
/meh-DEE-dah/
measurement
Medida (measurement) refers to determining the size or dimension of an object.
medida(noun)
measurement
?the size or dimension of something
,size
?physical dimension
gauge
?a standard quantity
,dimension
?physical extent
📝 In Action
Necesito tomar las medidas exactas antes de comprar el sofá.
A1I need to take the exact measurements before buying the sofa.
¿Cuál es la medida de la piscina?
A2What is the size of the pool?
La costurera me tomó la medida de la cintura.
B1The seamstress took my waist measurement.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
As a feminine word, 'medida' always uses feminine words before it, like 'la' or 'una'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Tomar'
Use the verb 'tomar' (to take) when you talk about physically measuring something: 'tomar las medidas'.
When an authority takes a step or action, it is called a medida (measure).
medida(noun)
measure
?an action or step taken by an authority
,step
?a course of action
provision
?a formal rule or requirement
,policy
?a plan or course of action
📝 In Action
El gobierno implementó nuevas medidas para reducir la contaminación.
B1The government implemented new measures to reduce pollution.
Debemos tomar medidas drásticas si queremos mejorar los resultados.
B2We must take drastic steps if we want to improve the results.
La medida de prohibir el tráfico fue impopular.
C1The measure to prohibit traffic was unpopular.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Use
This meaning is very often used in the plural form ('medidas') when discussing policies or steps taken.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clue
If you see 'medida' used with verbs like 'implementar' (to implement) or 'anunciar' (to announce), it almost always refers to a policy or action, not a physical size.
The medida (extent) refers to the degree or limit reached.
medida(noun)
extent
?degree or limit
,proportion
?balance or fit
fit
?when used in 'a la medida'
,moderation
?when used in 'con medida'
📝 In Action
El éxito fue en gran medida gracias a tu esfuerzo.
B2The success was largely (to a great extent) thanks to your effort.
Quiero un vestido hecho a la medida.
B2I want a custom-made (tailored to fit) dress.
En la medida de lo posible, evita los gastos innecesarios.
C1As far as possible (to the extent possible), avoid unnecessary expenses.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Phrases
'Medida' is often used in fixed phrases like 'a la medida' (custom-made) or 'en gran medida' (largely) that function almost like adverbs or adjectives.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'A la medida'
Mistake: "Using 'por la medida' when you mean 'custom-made'."
Correction: The correct preposition is 'a': 'un traje hecho a la medida' (a suit made to fit).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: medida
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'medida' to mean 'a step or policy' taken by an organization?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'medida' the same as 'measurement' in English?
Yes, 'medida' often means 'measurement' (like the size of a room). However, it also translates to the English word 'measure' when talking about steps or actions taken by a government or company (e.g., security measures).
How do I say 'to take measures' (meaning to take action)?
You use the phrase 'tomar medidas.' For example, 'Tenemos que tomar medidas para ahorrar agua' (We have to take measures/steps to save water).