Inklingo

How to Say "measurement" in Spanish

English → Spanish

medida

meh-DEE-dah/meˈðiða/

nounA1general
Use 'medida' when referring to the general size, dimensions, or extent of something, often requiring a physical act of measuring.
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'.

dimensión

nounB1general
Use 'dimensión' when referring to a specific aspect of size, such as length, width, height, or depth, particularly in a geometric or spatial context.

Examples

Necesitamos las tres dimensiones: altura, anchura y profundidad.

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

lectura

/lek-TOO-ra//lekˈtuɾa/

nounB2general
Use 'lectura' when referring to the numerical result or data obtained from a measuring instrument like a thermometer or gauge.
A simple, round instrument dial with a thick black needle pointing firmly toward the top of a red zone, indicating a measured reading.

Examples

La lectura del termómetro era anormalmente baja.

The thermometer reading was abnormally low.

El director hizo una lectura optimista de los resultados.

The director made an optimistic interpretation of the results.

Abstract Usage

When used abstractly (like 'interpretation'), it always works with the preposition 'de' (of) to link it to the object being analyzed: 'lectura DE la situación'.

General Size vs. Specific Reading

Learners often confuse 'medida' and 'lectura'. Remember that 'medida' is for the general act or result of measuring something's size, while 'lectura' is specifically the number shown on a device.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.