Inklingo

How to Say "quality" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “quality” is “calidad” — use 'calidad' when referring to a general standard of excellence or the degree to which something is good or bad, often in terms of its performance or features..

calidad🔊A2

Use 'calidad' when referring to a general standard of excellence or the degree to which something is good or bad, often in terms of its performance or features.

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bondad🔊B2

Use 'bondad' to describe the intrinsic worth or inherent goodness of something, emphasizing its fundamental excellence or value.

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virtud🔊B1

Choose 'virtud' when referring to a specific positive characteristic or a beneficial trait that makes something desirable or effective.

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calibre🔊B2

Use 'calibre' to denote a level of excellence, particularly when referring to the high standard or rank of a person or thing.

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propiedad🔊B2

Employ 'propiedad' when referring to an inherent characteristic or a defining attribute of a substance, object, or concept.

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factura🔊B2

Use 'factura' specifically when discussing the quality of workmanship or manufacturing, especially in crafted items.

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clase🔊B2

Use 'clase' to indicate a category of excellence, often implying a high social standing or a superior grade, similar to 'first-class'.

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raza🔊C1

Use 'raza' to refer to an inherent characteristic, often used for things like wine or animals to denote their distinguished lineage or inherent quality.

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English → Spanish

calidad

/kah-lee-DAD//kaliˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'calidad' when referring to a general standard of excellence or the degree to which something is good or bad, often in terms of its performance or features.
A single, perfectly formed, bright red apple sitting on a simple wooden pedestal, highlighting its flawless quality and standard of excellence.

Examples

Esta tienda solo vende ropa de alta calidad.

This store only sells high-quality clothing.

El control de calidad es muy estricto en esta fábrica.

Quality control is very strict in this factory.

La calidad de vida en la ciudad ha mejorado mucho.

The quality of life in the city has improved a lot.

Always Feminine

Remember to use feminine articles and adjectives with 'calidad': 'la calidad excelente' (the excellent quality).

Calidad vs. Cualidad

Mistake: “Using 'cualidad' when referring to the standard of a product.”

Correction: Use 'calidad' (the standard of goodness). 'Cualidad' means a specific trait or characteristic (e.g., patience is a cualidad).

bondad

bohn-DAHD/bonˈdad/

nounB2general
Use 'bondad' to describe the intrinsic worth or inherent goodness of something, emphasizing its fundamental excellence or value.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a single, perfectly ripe, flawless red apple shining brightly on a simple surface, symbolizing intrinsic quality or excellence.

Examples

La bondad del material asegura su larga vida útil.

The quality of the material ensures its long useful life.

Los expertos analizaron la bondad de la propuesta antes de aprobarla.

The experts analyzed the merit of the proposal before approving it.

Formal Usage

In this sense, 'bondad' is often used in official documents, technical reports, or academic writing instead of the more common 'calidad' (quality).

virtud

/beer-TOOD//biɾˈtuð/

nounB1general
Choose 'virtud' when referring to a specific positive characteristic or a beneficial trait that makes something desirable or effective.
A bright, juicy red apple standing out among several dull grey rocks.

Examples

La principal virtud de este coche es su bajo consumo.

The main quality of this car is its low fuel consumption.

Ese plan tiene la virtud de ser muy simple.

That plan has the advantage of being very simple.

calibre

/kah-LEE-bray//kaˈli.βɾe/

nounB2general
Use 'calibre' to denote a level of excellence, particularly when referring to the high standard or rank of a person or thing.
A single, flawless, highly polished golden trophy cup resting on a simple, illuminated pedestal, symbolizing high quality and excellence.

Examples

Necesitamos contratar a un profesional de alto calibre para liderar el equipo.

We need to hire a professional of high caliber (high quality) to lead the team.

La crisis fue de un calibre que nadie había anticipado.

The crisis was of a magnitude that no one had anticipated.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'calibre' usually follows 'de' (of) to describe the quality or level of a person or situation.

Confusing Quality and Size

Mistake: “Usar 'calibre grande' para decir 'great quality'.”

Correction: Use 'alto calibre' or 'gran calibre' when talking about quality, not 'calibre grande' (which sounds like physical size).

propiedad

proh-pee-eh-DAHD/pɾo.pjeˈðað/

nounB2technical/general
Employ 'propiedad' when referring to an inherent characteristic or a defining attribute of a substance, object, or concept.
A crystal-clear glass marble resting on a wooden table, emphasizing its transparency.

Examples

Una de las propiedades del agua es que hierve a 100 grados Celsius.

One of the properties of water is that it boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

Esta hierba tiene propiedades medicinales increíbles.

This herb has incredible medicinal properties.

Estudiamos las propiedades físicas y químicas de la roca.

We studied the physical and chemical properties of the rock.

factura

fak-TOO-ra/fakˈtu.ɾa/

nounB2specific
Use 'factura' specifically when discussing the quality of workmanship or manufacturing, especially in crafted items.
A close-up view of a wooden object's corner, showing precise, tightly fitted joinery and a smooth, polished finish, emphasizing quality.

Examples

La factura de esta mesa es excelente; se nota el trabajo artesanal.

The workmanship of this table is excellent; you can tell it's handcrafted.

Su última novela tiene una factura literaria impresionante.

His latest novel has an impressive literary make/quality.

Figurative Use

This meaning extends the idea of 'making' something (like an invoice) to describe the quality of construction or execution of an object, artwork, or piece of writing.

clase

/KLAH-seh//ˈklase/

nounB2social/general
Use 'clase' to indicate a category of excellence, often implying a high social standing or a superior grade, similar to 'first-class'.
A very elegantly dressed person wearing a perfectly tailored suit and sophisticated scarf, standing confidently with excellent posture, symbolizing high quality and class.

Examples

La película explora las diferencias entre la clase alta y la clase trabajadora.

The movie explores the differences between the upper class and the working class.

Es una mujer con mucha clase y elegancia.

She is a woman with a lot of class and elegance.

Nos alojamos en un hotel de primera clase.

We are staying in a first-class hotel.

raza

RAH-sahˈraθa

nounC1specific
Use 'raza' to refer to an inherent characteristic, often used for things like wine or animals to denote their distinguished lineage or inherent quality.
A simple storybook illustration showing three stylized figures of descending size, representing a grandparent, parent, and child, connected by a stylized root structure at their base, symbolizing lineage.

Examples

Ese vino tiene una raza excelente; es de la mejor cosecha.

That wine has an excellent quality/character; it's from the best harvest.

Demostró la raza de un verdadero campeón al no rendirse.

He showed the mettle (lineage/quality) of a true champion by not giving up.

General vs. Specific Quality

Learners often confuse 'calidad' with more specific terms. While 'calidad' is the most common and general translation for 'quality', remember to use 'virtud' for a positive trait, 'propiedad' for an inherent characteristic, and 'factura' for craftsmanship.

Related Translations

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