How to Say "level" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “level” is “nivel” — use 'nivel' for general height, a standard, or a specific position on a scale, like water levels or skill levels..
nivel
/nee-VEL//niˈβel/
Examples
El nivel del agua está subiendo muy rápido.
The water level is rising very fast.
Para este trabajo, necesitas un nivel de inglés muy alto.
For this job, you need a very high level of English.
¡Por fin pasé al siguiente nivel del videojuego!
I finally passed to the next level of the video game!
Always Masculine: 'el nivel'
Even though it ends in '-l', 'nivel' is a masculine word. Always say 'el nivel' (the level) or 'un nivel' (a level).
Floors in a Building: 'Nivel' vs. 'Piso'
Mistake: “Vivo en el tercer nivel.”
Correction: Vivo en el tercer piso. 'Piso' is the standard word for the floor or story of a building where people live or work. 'Nivel' is more for parking garages or general layers.
altura
ahl-TOO-rah/alˈtu.ɾa/
Examples
A esta altura del partido, ya no podemos ganar.
At this stage of the game, we can no longer win.
El coche se detuvo a la altura del semáforo.
The car stopped level with (or opposite) the traffic light.
Positional Use
When you use 'a la altura de' (at the height of), it describes something being directly across from or on the same plane as another object.
grado
GRAH-doh/ˈɡɾa.ðo/
Examples
Tenemos que evaluar el grado de riesgo antes de invertir.
We have to evaluate the level of risk before investing.
El conflicto ha alcanzado un alto grado de complejidad.
The conflict has reached a high degree of complexity.
Abstract Use
This meaning is often followed by 'de' plus an abstract concept (e.g., 'grado de dificultad,' 'grado de madurez').
escala
/es-KAH-lah//esˈka.la/
Examples
La escala del mapa es de uno a diez mil.
The scale of the map is one to ten thousand.
Necesitamos medir la temperatura en la escala Celsius.
We need to measure the temperature on the Celsius scale.
Always Feminine
Remember that 'escala' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la escala' or 'una escala' before it.
estándar
Examples
Debemos mantener un alto estándar de calidad en el servicio.
We must maintain a high standard of quality in the service.
calibre
/kah-LEE-bray//kaˈli.βɾe/
Examples
Necesitamos contratar a un profesional de alto calibre para liderar el equipo.
We need to hire a professional of high caliber to lead the team.
La crisis fue de un calibre que nadie había anticipado.
The crisis was of a magnitude that no one had anticipated.
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'calibre' usually follows 'de' (of) to describe the quality or level of a person or situation.
Confusing Quality and Size
Mistake: “Usar 'calibre grande' para decir 'great quality'.”
Correction: Use 'alto calibre' or 'gran calibre' when talking about quality, not 'calibre grande' (which sounds like physical size).
talla
TAH-yah/ˈtaʎa/
Examples
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.
plano
/plah-noh//ˈplano/
Examples
Necesitamos una superficie completamente plana para construir la pared.
We need a completely flat surface to build the wall.
La carretera es muy plana aquí; no hay colinas.
The road is very level here; there are no hills.
Gender Agreement
As an adjective, 'plano' must match the noun it describes. Use 'plano' for masculine nouns (el muro plano) and 'plana' for feminine nouns (la tabla plana).
Nivel vs. Grado vs. Altura
Related Translations
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