Inklingo
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promedio

/proh-MEH-deeoh/

average

A simple wooden balance beam resting perfectly level on a central fulcrum, with three colorful, identical geometric shapes placed symmetrically on the beam, illustrating mathematical balance.

Finding the average ('promedio') often means finding the point of balance or the central value in a mathematical calculation.

promedio(noun)

mB2

average

?

mathematical calculation

,

mean

?

statistical term

Also:

midpoint

?

figurative sense of a middle ground

📝 In Action

¿Cuál es el promedio de edad de los participantes?

B2

What is the average age of the participants?

Mi meta es subir mi promedio a nueve puntos este semestre.

B1

My goal is to raise my average (grade) to nine points this semester.

Necesitamos calcular el promedio de ventas del último trimestre.

C1

We need to calculate the sales average for the last quarter.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • media (mean/average (often statistical))
  • cálculo (calculation)

Common Collocations

  • sacar el promedio – to calculate the average
  • estar en el promedio – to be average/in the middle

💡 Grammar Points

Always Masculine

Even if you are averaging things that are feminine (like 'notas' or 'ventas'), 'promedio' itself is always a masculine noun: 'el promedio'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'On Average'

To say 'on average,' use the preposition 'en': 'En promedio, la gente espera 20 minutos.' (On average, people wait 20 minutes.)

A row of five identical, simple red apples lined up neatly, illustrating a typical or standard example.

When something is 'promedio,' it is typical or standard, fitting the norm.

promedio(adjective)

mC1

average

?

typical or standard

Also:

standard

?

referring to a level

,

mediocre

?

less positive sense of ordinary

📝 In Action

El nivel promedio de habilidad es bastante alto.

B2

The average skill level is quite high.

No queremos un resultado promedio; queremos algo excepcional.

C1

We don't want an average result; we want something exceptional.

Ella es una corredora promedio para su edad.

C1

She is an average runner for her age.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estándar (standard)
  • típico (typical)
  • regular (ordinary)

Antonyms

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Placement

When used to describe a noun, 'promedio' usually comes after the noun it is describing: 'el estudiante promedio' (the average student).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Agreement with Noun

Mistake: "Using 'promedia' for feminine nouns (e.g., 'la nota promedia')."

Correction: The adjective form often acts as an invariable descriptor and usually stays 'promedio': 'la nota promedio' (the average grade). Treat it like 'estándar' (standard).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: promedio

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'promedio' as an adjective (describing a noun)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

medio(middle/half) - adjective/noun
mediana(median (statistical)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'promedio' the same as 'media'?

Yes, in general terms, they mean the same thing (the average). However, 'media' is often preferred in technical or statistical contexts, while 'promedio' is more common in everyday speech and school grades.

Does 'promedio' ever mean 'median'?

No. While 'promedio' means 'average' (the mean), the word for 'median' (the middle number in an ordered set) is usually 'mediana' in Spanish.