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How to Say "caliber" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “caliber” is “calibre” — use 'calibre' when referring to the diameter of a bullet or the inside of a gun barrel, or by extension, the size of something..

English → Spanish

calibre

/kah-LEE-bray//kaˈli.βɾe/

nounB1
Use 'calibre' when referring to the diameter of a bullet or the inside of a gun barrel, or by extension, the size of something.
A close-up illustration of a single metallic bullet resting horizontally. A simplified, stylized measuring caliper is positioned around the bullet, clearly indicating its diameter.

Examples

El tirador eligió un rifle de un calibre menor.

The shooter chose a rifle of a smaller caliber.

La policía encontró balas de calibre nueve milímetros.

The police found nine-millimeter caliber bullets.

Necesitamos un cable de calibre más grueso para esta instalación eléctrica.

We need a thicker gauge wire for this electrical installation.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-e', 'calibre' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el' or 'un' before it.

categoría

nounB1
Use 'categoría' to describe a level of quality, standard, or classification, similar to how you would categorize products or services.

Examples

Esta marca de vinos es de alta categoría.

This brand of wine is of high caliber.

altura

ahl-TOO-rah/alˈtu.ɾa/

nounB2
Use 'altura' to express a level of excellence or competence, often in response to a challenge or task, meaning 'to be up to the standard'.
A shiny, perfectly formed golden apple resting on a simple white pedestal, illuminated by a spotlight, symbolizing a high standard of quality.

Examples

No estaba seguro de estar a la altura de las expectativas.

He wasn't sure he was up to the caliber of the expectations.

Esperamos que estés a la altura del desafío.

We hope you are up to the standard of the challenge (or, up to the task).

El restaurante tiene una cocina de gran altura.

The restaurant has cuisine of high standard/quality.

Idiomatic Use

When talking about quality, 'altura' is almost always paired with the verb 'estar' (to be) in the phrase 'estar a la altura de' (to be up to the standard of).

talla

TAH-yah/ˈtaʎa/

nounC1
Use 'talla' to refer to a high level of quality or standard, particularly for people or their achievements, emphasizing renown or distinction.
A single, large, highly polished gemstone with perfect facets resting on a velvet cloth, emphasizing its superior quality.

Examples

Es un atleta de gran talla mundial.

He is an athlete of great international caliber.

Es un artista de talla internacional, conocido en todo el mundo.

He is an artist of international caliber, known worldwide.

El equipo necesita un delantero de la talla de Messi.

The team needs a forward of the stature (or quality) of Messi.

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.

Quality vs. Measurement

Learners often confuse 'calibre' (physical measurement) with words like 'categoría', 'altura', or 'talla' (quality/level). Remember that 'calibre' is primarily for size, especially of firearms, while the others refer to a standard or rank.

Related Translations

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