Inklingo

How to Say "measures" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “measures” is “medidas” — use 'medidas' when referring to actions, steps, or policies implemented to achieve a specific goal or solve a problem, especially in a formal or official context..

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medidas

meh-DEE-das/meˈðiðas/

nounB1general
Use 'medidas' when referring to actions, steps, or policies implemented to achieve a specific goal or solve a problem, especially in a formal or official context.
A child fastening the strap of a bright yellow safety helmet, representing a protective action or step taken.

Examples

El gobierno tomó medidas drásticas para controlar la inflación.

The government took drastic measures to control inflation.

El ayuntamiento implementó nuevas medidas para reducir la contaminación.

The city council implemented new measures (or steps) to reduce pollution.

Debemos tomar medidas urgentes para evitar el accidente.

We must take urgent steps/actions to avoid the accident.

Las medidas de seguridad en el aeropuerto son muy estrictas.

The security measures at the airport are very strict.

Action Verb Pairing

When 'medidas' means 'actions' or 'steps,' it almost always pairs with the verb 'tomar' (to take). The phrase 'tomar medidas' is the standard way to say 'to take action.'

pasos

/PAH-sohs//ˈpasos/

nounB1general
Choose 'pasos' when talking about concrete actions or steps that are part of a larger plan or process to achieve something.
A hand carefully placing the final wooden block onto a small tower, symbolizing the completion of a sequence of deliberate actions or measures.

Examples

Estamos dando los pasos necesarios para mejorar la seguridad.

We are taking the necessary measures to improve security.

Tenemos que tomar pasos firmes para reducir el riesgo.

We have to take firm measures to reduce the risk.

Los primeros pasos del proyecto son definir el presupuesto.

The first steps of the project are defining the budget.

Ella siguió todos los pasos de la receta al pie de la letra.

She followed all the steps of the recipe precisely.

Using 'Tomar'

When talking about taking actions or measures, use the verb 'tomar' (to take). Example: 'Tomamos pasos para mejorar.'

arreglos

ah-RREH-glohs (the 'rr' is rolled)/aˈreɣlos/

nounB1general
Use 'arreglos' when referring to preparations or arrangements made for an event or a specific situation.
Organized travel items, including a neatly folded shirt and a toothbrush, placed next to an open suitcase, representing preparations.

Examples

Hicimos todos los arreglos para la fiesta de cumpleaños.

We made all the arrangements for the birthday party.

Ya hicimos todos los arreglos para el viaje a la playa.

We already made all the arrangements for the trip to the beach.

Ella se encarga de los arreglos de la boda.

She is in charge of the wedding arrangements.

Using 'Hacer'

The most common way to talk about making plans is using the verb 'hacer': 'hacer arreglos' (to make arrangements).

mide

MEE-deh/ˈmiðe/

verbA1general
Use 'mide' when referring to the act of measuring the size, height, or extent of something, or stating a measurement.
A child standing against a wall while an adult holds a wooden ruler vertically to check their height.

Examples

¿Cuánto mide esta habitación?

How many measures (how big) is this room?

Mi hermano mide un metro ochenta.

My brother is one meter eighty tall.

La mesa mide dos metros de largo.

The table measures two meters long.

Él mide la harina para el pastel.

He measures the flour for the cake.

The 'E' to 'I' Swap

In the word 'mide', the original 'e' from the base word 'medir' changes to an 'i'. This happens in most present tense forms except for 'we' and 'you all'.

Describing Height

In English, we say 'I am six feet tall.' In Spanish, we use this word: 'Mido seis pies' (I measure six feet).

Using 'Ser' for height

Mistake: “Él es 1.80 metros.”

Correction: Él mide 1.80 metros. While 'es' isn't always wrong in casual talk, 'mide' is the standard way to state a measurement.

barras

BAH-rras/ˈbaras/

nounB1specific (music)
Use 'barras' specifically in a musical context to refer to the time bars or measures that divide musical notation.
A simple depiction of a musical staff showing five horizontal lines. Two prominent vertical bar lines divide the staff into distinct sections, illustrating musical measures.

Examples

El director de orquesta indicó el cambio de compás en la barra 32.

The conductor indicated the time change at measure 32.

El ejercicio de gimnasia requiere mucha fuerza en las barras.

The gymnastics routine requires a lot of strength on the bars.

Esta canción tiene 32 barras en el coro.

This song has 32 measures in the chorus.

Actualiza la página y verás la barra de progreso.

Refresh the page and you will see the progress bar.

Medidas vs. Pasos

Learners often confuse 'medidas' and 'pasos' because both can refer to actions. Remember that 'medidas' often implies official actions or policies, while 'pasos' focuses on the individual steps within a plan.

Related Translations

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