Inklingo

How to Say "dimension" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dimensión

nounB1general
Use 'dimensión' when referring to the abstract concept of size, extent, or a specific measurable aspect like length, width, or height in a scientific or mathematical context.

Examples

Necesitamos las tres dimensiones: altura, anchura y profundidad.

We need the three dimensions: height, width, and depth.

medida

meh-DEE-dahmeˈðiða

nounA1general
Use 'medida' when you are talking about the act of measuring or the specific result of a measurement, especially for practical purposes like fitting objects.
A hand holding a yellow tape measure stretched out next to a simple wooden block on a tabletop, indicating its length.

Examples

Necesito tomar las medidas exactas antes de comprar el sofá.

I need to take the exact measurements before buying the sofa.

¿Cuál es la medida de la piscina?

What is the size of the pool?

La costurera me tomó la medida de la cintura.

The seamstress took my waist measurement.

Gender Rule

As a feminine word, 'medida' always uses feminine words before it, like 'la' or 'una'.

tamaño

nounA1general
Use 'tamaño' to refer to the overall size or scale of an object, focusing on how big or small it is.

Examples

Necesito saber el tamaño de la caja para enviarla.

I need to know the size of the box to send it.

Dimensión vs. Medida/Tamaño

Learners often confuse 'dimensión' with 'medida' or 'tamaño'. Remember that 'dimensión' is often abstract or scientific, while 'medida' refers to the act or result of measuring, and 'tamaño' is simply the size of something.

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