Inklingo

How to Say "length" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “length” is “largo” — use 'largo' when referring to the physical measurement of an object from end to end, especially when asking about it.

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largo

LAR-goˈlaɾɣo

nounB1general
Use 'largo' when referring to the physical measurement of an object from end to end, especially when asking about it.
A close-up view of a measuring tape stretched out perfectly along the edge of a straight wooden plank, illustrating its dimension.

Examples

¿Cuál es el largo de la piscina?

What is the length of the pool?

La mesa mide dos metros de largo por uno de ancho.

The table measures two meters in length by one in width.

duración

nounA2general
Use 'duración' specifically when talking about the length of time something lasts, like a movie, a meeting, or a period.

Examples

La película tiene una duración de dos horas.

The movie has a duration of two hours.

longitud

lohn-hee-TOODloŋxiˈtuð

nounA2general
Use 'longitud' for the precise, often technical, measurement of how long something is, like a road or a table.
A colorful wooden pencil being measured by a simple yellow ruler to show its length.

Examples

La longitud de la mesa es de dos metros.

The length of the table is two meters.

Mide la longitud de la cuerda antes de cortarla.

Measure the length of the rope before cutting it.

La longitud de la costa española es impresionante.

The length of the Spanish coast is impressive.

The '-tud' Gender Rule

Most Spanish words ending in '-tud' are feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with longitud.

Noun vs. Adjective

Use 'longitud' when you need the name of the measurement (the noun). Use 'largo' when you are describing something as being long (the adjective).

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “El longitud de la calle.”

Correction: La longitud de la calle. Words ending in -tud are feminine!

distancia

dees-TAHN-syahdisˈtan.sja

nounA1general
Use 'distancia' when referring to the space or measurement between two separate points or locations.
A visual representation of physical distance showing two brightly colored, small houses separated by a wide, empty green space and a long path.

Examples

¿Cuál es la distancia entre tu casa y la escuela?

What is the distance between your house and the school?

Mantén una distancia segura del fuego.

Keep a safe distance from the fire.

Ellos se conocieron a larga distancia, por internet.

They met over a long distance, online.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'distancia' is always a feminine noun, so use 'la' before it: 'la distancia'.

Using 'a' vs. 'de'

You often use 'a' (at/to) or 'de' (from) when specifying distance: 'a cinco metros de aquí' (five meters from here).

Confusing 'distancia' and 'trayecto'

Mistake: “Using 'trayecto' when referring to the measurement of space.”

Correction: 'Trayecto' means 'route' or 'journey.' Use 'distancia' for the measured space: 'La distancia es de 10 kilómetros.'

extensión

nounA2general
Use 'extensión' to describe the physical size or extent of an area, like land or a surface.

Examples

La extensión del terreno es de mil metros cuadrados.

The size of the land is one thousand square meters.

Largo vs. Longitud

Learners often confuse 'largo' and 'longitud' because both refer to physical length. 'Largo' is more common in everyday questions about an object's dimension, while 'longitud' is often used for more formal or technical measurements.

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