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medidas

meh-DEE-das/meˈðiðas/

“medidas” means “measurements” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

measurements

Also: dimensions, size
NounfA1
A simple blue cube lying next to a wooden ruler, illustrating physical dimensions or measurements.

📝 In Action

Necesito las medidas exactas de la mesa antes de comprar el mantel.

A2

I need the exact measurements of the table before buying the tablecloth.

¿Cuáles son tus medidas de ropa? Creo que eres talla pequeña.

A1

What are your clothing sizes/measurements? I think you are a small size.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dimensiones (dimensions)
  • tallas (sizes)

Common Collocations

  • tomar medidas – to take measurements
  • medidas corporales – body measurements

measures

Also: steps, precautions
NounfB1
A child fastening the strap of a bright yellow safety helmet, representing a protective action or step taken.

📝 In Action

El ayuntamiento implementó nuevas medidas para reducir la contaminación.

B2

The city council implemented new measures (or steps) to reduce pollution.

Debemos tomar medidas urgentes para evitar el accidente.

B1

We must take urgent steps/actions to avoid the accident.

Las medidas de seguridad en el aeropuerto son muy estrictas.

B1

The security measures at the airport are very strict.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • acciones (actions)
  • disposiciones (provisions)

Common Collocations

  • tomar medidas – to take action/steps
  • medidas preventivas – preventative measures
  • medidas económicas – economic measures

Idioms & Expressions

  • Tomar cartas en el asunto – To take serious action on a matter or intervene.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "medidas" in Spanish:

dimensions→measurements→measures→precautions→steps→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: medidas

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'medidas' in the sense of 'actions taken by a government'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
medida(measure (singular noun)) — Noun
medir(to measure) — Verb
medidor(meter or measuring device) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin verb *metīrī*, meaning 'to measure.' This origin explains both the physical sense (dimensions) and the abstract sense (calculated actions or steps).

First recorded: 13th century (as 'medida')

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: medidasItalian: misure

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'medidas' often plural, even when referring to one set of actions?

In Spanish, just like in English, we often use the plural 'measurements' when talking about physical size (length, width, etc.). When talking about policy, 'medidas' (measures/steps) refers to a collection of actions taken together, which is why the plural form is the standard usage.