millas
/MEE-yahs/
miles
Millas, meaning 'miles', refers to a unit of distance.
📝 In Action
Conducimos cien millas en total para llegar al concierto.
A1We drove one hundred miles total to get to the concert.
La velocidad máxima en esta carretera es de 70 millas por hora.
A2The maximum speed on this highway is 70 miles per hour.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Plural
Since the singular 'milla' is feminine, 'millas' is also feminine. Remember to use feminine adjectives and articles with it (e.g., 'muchas millas,' 'las millas').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Systems
Mistake: "El viaje fue de veinte kilómetros y media millas."
Correction: El viaje fue de veinte kilómetros. (Stick to one system in a single statement, or convert.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are in Latin America or Spain, use 'kilómetros' unless you are specifically talking about US travel, aviation, or naval navigation, where 'millas' is still common.
When referring to frequent flyer rewards, millas translates to 'air miles'.
📝 In Action
Tengo suficientes millas en mi tarjeta de crédito para un viaje a Europa.
B1I have enough miles on my credit card for a trip to Europe.
¿Cómo puedo canjear las millas que gané con esta compra?
B2How can I redeem the points (miles) I earned with this purchase?
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Plural
This meaning almost always appears in the plural, 'millas,' even when talking about one point, it's generally referred to as part of the 'millas' balance.
⭐ Usage Tips
Specific Context
If you hear 'millas' outside of a travel or distance conversation, assume it refers to a loyalty program. This is the most common figurative use.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: millas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'millas' to talk about a reward program, not distance?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'milla' (mile) the same as 'kilómetro' (kilometer)?
No, they are different units of distance. One 'milla' is significantly longer than one 'kilómetro' (specifically, about 1.6 kilometers). Most of the world uses kilometers, so be ready to convert if you are traveling!
Why do loyalty programs call their points 'millas'?
The concept started with airline frequent flyer programs, where you earned points based on the physical distance (miles) you flew. Even when credit cards or other companies offer points, they often keep the original name 'millas' for tradition.