How to Say "medium" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “medium” is “medio” — use this word when referring to 'the media' in general, or a means or way of doing something, like a method of transport or communication.
Use this word when referring to 'the media' in general, or a means or way of doing something, like a method of transport or communication.
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Use this word to describe something of average size, like food orders or clothing sizes.
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Use this word for a specific channel or route through which information or something flows.
Learn more →Use this word when referring to a means or way of expressing ideas or communicating, especially in art or social contexts.
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Use this word to refer to the physical material or device on which information is stored or presented.
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Use this word specifically for a substance or material that transmits something, like heat, electricity, or sound.
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Use this word for an official or established route through which information is passed.
Learn more →Use this word to refer to a person who claims to have supernatural abilities to communicate with spirits.
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Use this word to mean a proper or legal means of expression or channeling something, like a protest or emotion.
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Use this word as an adjective to describe a level or position that is between two others, such as in skill or intensity.
Learn more →me-dyoˈme.ðjo
Examples
El tren es mi medio de transporte favorito.
The train is my favorite means of transport.
Los medios de comunicación tienen mucha influencia.
The media has a lot of influence.
Debemos proteger el medio ambiente.
We must protect the environment.
meh-dee-AH-nohmeˈðjanon
Examples
Quiero una pizza mediana, por favor.
I want a medium pizza, please.
Ella es de estatura mediana.
She is of medium height.
Trabajo en una empresa mediana.
I work in a medium-sized company.
Matching the Ending
This word must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'mediano' for masculine things (el café mediano) and 'mediana' for feminine things (la caja mediana).
Placement After the Name
In most cases, you should place this word after the object you are describing, like 'un coche mediano' (a medium car).
Using 'Medio' for Size
Mistake: “Quiero un café medio.”
Correction: Quiero un café mediano. Use 'medio' for 'half' (half a cup) and 'mediano' for the standard 'medium' size at a shop.
kah-NAHLkaˈnal
Examples
Debemos usar los canales oficiales para enviar esta información.
We must use the official channels to send this information.
La empresa distribuye sus productos por varios canales de venta.
The company distributes its products through various sales channels.
Figurative Use
This meaning extends the idea of a physical passage (like a river) to an abstract one (like a route for information or sales).
vehículo
Examples
El arte es un vehículo poderoso para el cambio social.
Art is a powerful medium for social change.
so-POR-tesoˈpoɾte
Examples
El papel ya no es el soporte principal para los documentos.
Paper is no longer the main medium for documents.
Necesitamos la información en un soporte digital.
We need the information in a digital format.
Abstract Use
This sense refers to the 'thing' carrying the message, whether it's a CD, a USB drive, or a piece of parchment.
kon-dook-TORkon.dukˈtoɾ
Examples
El cobre es un excelente conductor de electricidad.
Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Los metales suelen ser buenos conductores térmicos.
Metals tend to be good thermal conductors.
Technical Usage
In this technical sense, 'conductor' refers to the substance itself, which allows energy to pass through, linking back to the idea of 'leading' or 'channeling'.
con-DOOC-tohkonˈdukto
Examples
Recibimos la noticia por conductos oficiales.
We received the news through official channels.
Él sirvió de conducto para llegar a un acuerdo.
He served as the medium to reach an agreement.
Debes enviar tu queja por el conducto regular.
You must send your complaint through the proper channels.
Using 'Por' with Conducto
When talking about how information moves, we almost always use the word 'por' (by/through) before 'conducto'.
False Friend Alert
Mistake: “Thinking it means 'conduct' (behavior).”
Correction: Behavior is 'conducta' (feminine). 'Conducto' (masculine) is a path or channel.
psíquico
Examples
El psíquico dice que puede hablar con los animales.
The psychic says he can talk to animals.
KOW-sehˈkawse
Examples
Debemos buscar un cauce legal para esta protesta.
We must find a legal channel for this protest.
La negociación volvió a su cauce normal tras el desacuerdo.
The negotiation returned to its normal course after the disagreement.
Esta asociación es el cauce para las quejas de los vecinos.
This association is the channel for the neighbors' complaints.
Abstract Use
In this sense, 'cauce' acts just like 'way' or 'method' in English, helping you explain HOW something is being processed.
Spelling Trap
Mistake: “Espero que eso no cause problemas.”
Correction: This is correct, but notice the spelling! 'Cause' (with an 's') is a verb form of 'causar' (to cause). 'Cauce' (with a 'c') is the noun for a channel.
een-tehr-MEH-dyohinteɾˈmeðjo
Examples
Tengo un nivel intermedio de español.
I have an intermediate level of Spanish.
Necesitamos encontrar un punto intermedio para quedar.
We need to find a middle point to meet.
La gama intermedia de este coche tiene mejores acabados.
The mid-range of this car has better finishes.
Matching the Noun
Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match what you are describing: 'un nivel intermedio' (masculine) but 'una fase intermedia' (feminine).
Positioning
You will almost always place this word after the thing it is describing, just like most Spanish adjectives.
Intermedio vs. Medio
Mistake: “Quiero un café intermedio.”
Correction: Quiero un café mediano (size) or medio (half). Use 'intermedio' for levels or things situated between two points, not usually for food portions.
Medio vs. Canal vs. Vehículo
Learners often confuse 'medio', 'canal', and 'vehículo' because they all relate to means or ways of doing things. Remember that 'medio' is the most general term for a means or way, 'canal' refers to a specific route or channel for information, and 'vehículo' is often used for more abstract means of expression or communication.
Related Translations
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