talla
/TAH-yah/
size
The word talla can refer to the size of clothing or shoes.
📝 In Action
¿Qué talla de camisa usas?
A1What shirt size do you wear?
Necesito cambiar estos pantalones por una talla más grande.
A2I need to exchange these pants for a bigger size.
La talla S es pequeña, ¿tienes la M?
A1Size S is small, do you have the M?
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that 'talla' is always a feminine word, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la talla', 'una talla grande').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Tamaño' for Clothes
Mistake: "Using 'tamaño' instead of 'talla' for clothing sizes."
Correction: Use 'talla' for garments and shoes. 'Tamaño' refers to general physical dimension or volume.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for Size
The most common way to ask someone's size is '¿Qué talla usas?' (What size do you wear?) or '¿Qué talla eres?' (What size are you?).
When referring to a person's physical stature, talla means height.
📝 In Action
Es un jugador de alta talla, mide casi dos metros.
B1He is a tall player; he measures almost two meters.
Mi hermana es de talla mediana, ni muy alta ni muy baja.
B2My sister is of medium height, neither very tall nor very short.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Ser de'
To describe a person's general height or stature, you usually use the structure 'ser de + talla' (e.g., 'Ella es de talla pequeña').
Talla is also the word for a carving or sculpture, often made of wood or stone.
talla(noun)
carving
?wooden or stone sculpture
,sculpture
?statue made by carving
cut
?of a gem or diamond
,engraving
?detailed work
📝 In Action
La iglesia está llena de tallas de madera antiguas.
B2The church is full of ancient wooden carvings (sculptures).
El diamante tiene una talla perfecta que refleja la luz.
C1The diamond has a perfect cut that reflects the light.
💡 Grammar Points
Connection to the Verb
This meaning comes directly from the verb 'tallar,' which means 'to carve' or 'to cut.' 'Talla' is the resulting object or the act itself.
In some contexts, talla refers to the quality or caliber of something.
talla(noun)
caliber
?quality or standard
,stature
?importance or significance
level
?of achievement
📝 In Action
Es un artista de talla internacional, conocido en todo el mundo.
C1He is an artist of international caliber, known worldwide.
El equipo necesita un delantero de la talla de Messi.
C2The team needs a forward of the stature (or quality) of Messi.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This is a figurative extension of the meaning 'height' or 'size.' If someone is of 'gran talla,' it means they are highly important or skilled, as if they are 'tall' in the field.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
Reserve this meaning for formal writing, official statements, or discussing high-level achievements in sports, arts, or politics.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: talla
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'talla' in its figurative meaning of 'caliber'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'talla' and 'tamaño'?
'Talla' is almost always used specifically for clothing, shoes, or jewelry sizes. 'Tamaño' is a general word for physical dimension, magnitude, or volume (e.g., 'el tamaño de la casa'—the size of the house).
How do I ask for a different size when shopping?
You can say: 'Quiero una talla más grande' (I want one size bigger) or '¿Tienen esto en mi talla?' (Do you have this in my size?).