Inklingo

How to Say "length" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “length” is “distancia” — use 'distancia' when referring to the measurement between two distinct points, often in a spatial or geographical context..

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distancia

dees-TAHN-syah/disˈtan.sja/

nounA1general
Use 'distancia' when referring to the measurement between two distinct points, often in a spatial or geographical context.
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.'

largo

/LAR-go//ˈlaɾɣo/

nounB1general
Use 'largo' when measuring the dimension of an object from one end to the other, focusing on its extent.
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.

Distancia vs. Largo

Learners often confuse 'distancia' and 'largo' by using 'distancia' for the physical dimension of an object. Remember, 'distancia' is for the space *between* two points, while 'largo' is the measure *of* an object's extent.

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