Inklingo

How to Say "dimensions" in Spanish

English → Spanish

medidas

meh-DEE-dasmeˈðiðas

nounA1general
Use 'medidas' when referring to the literal size, length, width, or height of an object, like when taking measurements for furniture or clothing.
A simple blue cube lying next to a wooden ruler, illustrating physical dimensions or measurements.

Examples

Necesito las medidas exactas de la mesa antes de comprar el mantel.

I need the exact measurements of the table before buying the tablecloth.

¿Cuáles son tus medidas de ropa? Creo que eres talla pequeña.

What are your clothing sizes/measurements? I think you are a small size.

Always Plural for Dimensions

When talking about physical size (like height, width, and depth), always use the plural form, 'medidas,' just like we often say 'measurements' in English.

proporción

pro-por-SYOHNpɾopoɾˈsjon

nounB2general
Use 'proporción' when talking about the relative size, scale, or importance of something, often in a more abstract or figurative sense.
A colorful storybook illustration of a tiny toy house sitting next to a very large real apple to show a difference in scale.

Examples

El incendio alcanzó proporciones épicas.

The fire reached epic proportions.

No te das cuenta de la proporción del problema.

You don't realize the magnitude of the problem.

Es una escultura de grandes proporciones.

It is a sculpture of large dimensions.

Plural for Emphasis

While you can use the singular, Spanish speakers often use the plural 'proporciones' to emphasize that something is very large or serious.

Medidas vs. Proporción

Learners often confuse 'medidas' and 'proporción' by using 'medidas' for abstract scale. Remember, 'medidas' is for concrete measurements (length, width), while 'proporción' deals with scale or significance.

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