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How to Say "measuring tape" in Spanish

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cinta

SEEN-tah/ˈsin̪.t̪a/

nounA2general
Use 'cinta' when referring to a flexible strip used for measuring, like a tape measure, or for binding and attaching.
A roll of transparent adhesive tape with the end slightly peeled off.

Examples

Necesito una cinta para medir la tela.

I need a tape measure to measure the fabric.

Pega el póster a la pared con un poco de cinta adhesiva.

Stick the poster to the wall with a bit of adhesive tape.

Necesitas una cinta métrica para saber cuánto mide la mesa.

You need a measuring tape to know how long the table is.

Specific Tape Types

To specify which kind of tape you mean, you usually add a clarifying adjective, such as 'adhesiva' (adhesive) or 'métrica' (measuring).

Confusing Tape Types

Mistake: “¿Dónde está la cinta de medir?”

Correction: Although understandable, the standard term is 'cinta métrica', meaning 'metric tape' or 'measuring tape'.

metro

MEH-troh/ˈme.tɾo/

nounA1regional
Use 'metro' specifically when referring to the measuring tool itself, particularly in some regions, or when referring to the unit of length.
A single, wooden measuring stick, exactly one meter long, resting on a flat surface.

Examples

Pásame el metro para marcar la pared.

Hand me the tape measure to mark the wall.

Necesito un metro de cuerda roja.

I need one meter of red rope.

Mi habitación mide tres metros de ancho.

My room is three meters wide.

La piscina tiene 25 metros de largo.

The pool is 25 meters long.

Always Masculine

Since 'metro' is a masculine noun, always use 'el' or 'un' before it, and make sure any adjectives describing it are also masculine (e.g., 'el metro exacto').

Mixing Units

Mistake: “La mesa mide tres pies.”

Correction: La mesa mide tres metros. (The table is three meters.)

Cinta vs. Metro for 'Measuring Tape'

Learners often confuse 'cinta' and 'metro' because both can refer to a measuring tape. Remember that 'cinta' is broader and can also mean tape for sticking, while 'metro' is often more specific to the tool or the unit of length.

Related Translations

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