Inklingo

How to Say "proportion" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “proportion” is “porcentaje” — use 'porcentaje' when you are referring to a specific fraction or amount of a total, often expressed as a number out of 100.

English → Spanish

porcentaje

por-sen-TA-hepoɾθenˈtaxe

nounA2general
Use 'porcentaje' when you are referring to a specific fraction or amount of a total, often expressed as a number out of 100.
A colorful pie chart with one slice pulled away to show a portion of the whole.

Examples

Un gran porcentaje de los estudiantes vive cerca de la escuela.

A large percentage of the students live near the school.

El porcentaje de batería de mi teléfono es muy bajo.

My phone's battery percentage is very low.

Estamos tratando de aumentar el porcentaje de ventas este mes.

We are trying to increase the sales percentage this month.

Always Use 'De'

When you want to say 'percentage OF' something, you must always follow 'porcentaje' with the word 'de'. For example: 'porcentaje de éxito' (percentage of success).

Gender and Articles

This word is always masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if the group you are describing is feminine.

Porcentaje vs. Por Ciento

Mistake: “El diez porcentaje de la gente...”

Correction: El diez por ciento de la gente...

proporción

nounB1general
Use 'proporción' to describe the balanced relationship between different parts of a whole, or how two quantities relate to each other in size or amount.

Examples

La proporción de agua y arroz es de dos a uno.

The proportion of water and rice is two to one.

medida

meh-DEE-dahmeˈðiða

nounB2general
Use 'medida' when 'proportion' implies a degree, extent, or balance in a more figurative sense, often translated as 'to a great extent' or 'largely'.
A clear glass jar filled with blue liquid that reaches exactly up to a distinct horizontal limit line marked near the top of the jar.

Examples

El éxito fue en gran medida gracias a tu esfuerzo.

The success was largely (to a great extent) thanks to your effort.

Quiero un vestido hecho a la medida.

I want a custom-made (tailored to fit) dress.

En la medida de lo posible, evita los gastos innecesarios.

As far as possible (to the extent possible), avoid unnecessary expenses.

Fixed Phrases

'Medida' is often used in fixed phrases like 'a la medida' (custom-made) or 'en gran medida' (largely) that function almost like adverbs or adjectives.

Confusing 'A la medida'

Mistake: “Using 'por la medida' when you mean 'custom-made'.”

Correction: The correct preposition is 'a': 'un traje hecho a la medida' (a suit made to fit).

razón

nounC1formal
Use 'razón' when 'proportion' refers to a specific rate or ratio, especially in mathematical or financial contexts.

Examples

El interés se calcula a razón del cinco por ciento anual.

The interest is calculated at a rate of five percent per year.

Proporción vs. Porcentaje

Learners often confuse 'proporción' and 'porcentaje'. Remember that 'porcentaje' is almost always a numerical value out of 100, while 'proporción' describes the relationship or balance between parts or quantities.

Related Translations

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