metros

MEH-trohs

nounmA1

meters?unit of length,metres?UK spelling of unit of length

Also:subway systems?plural form of the public transport system ('el metro')

📝 In Action

Necesitas cinco metros de tela para hacer el vestido.

You need five meters of fabric to make the dress.

La casa está a pocos metros de la playa.

The house is just a few meters from the beach.

Hay varios metros que se cruzan en el centro de la ciudad.

There are several subway lines that cross in the city center.

Word Connections

Synonyms

longitud (length)
distancia (distance)

Common Collocations

cuatro metros cuadrados – four square meters
correr cien metros – to run one hundred meters

💡 Grammar Points

Use with Numbers

When counting, the number must match the gender: 'dos metros' (masculine) but 'dos millas' (feminine).

❌ Common Pitfalls

English Plural vs. Spanish Plural

Mistake: "Using 'meter' without the 's' for plurals, as in 'Tengo dos metro de cuerda.'"

Correction: Always add the -s for two or more: 'Tengo dos metros de cuerda.' (I have two meters of rope.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Metric System Default

In nearly all Spanish-speaking countries, the metric system is the standard. Use 'metros' and 'kilómetros' instead of feet and miles.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: metros

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'metros' as a unit of measurement?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

metro(meter (unit) / subway) - noun

meter(to put in / to insert) - verb

metrero(measuring tape holder) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'metros' sound like two completely different words?

They are! The word 'metro' (meter/subway) comes from Greek, referring to measure. The verb 'metros' (you put in) comes from a different Latin root meaning 'to send.' It's a coincidence that they sound the same, making context very important.

Do Spanish speakers use 'pies' (feet) or 'pulgadas' (inches) instead of 'metros'?

While Spanish speakers understand feet and inches, especially in relation to US media, almost all official communication, construction, and everyday measurement in Spanish-speaking countries relies on 'metros' (meters) and the metric system.