Inklingo

How to Say "range" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “range” is “gama” — use 'gama' when referring to a variety of products, colors, or options offered by a store or manufacturer.

gama🔊B1

Use 'gama' when referring to a variety of products, colors, or options offered by a store or manufacturer.

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abanico🔊B2

Use 'abanico' to describe a wide variety or spectrum of choices, possibilities, or things.

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rango🔊B2

Use 'rango' for a scope, extent, or a specific measurement, especially temperature, salary, or skill levels.

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cobertura🔊A2

Use 'cobertura' to talk about the area where a service like mobile phone signal or Wi-Fi is available.

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alcance🔊A2

Use 'alcance' to refer to the physical distance something can reach, like a thrown object or a weapon's effect.

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escala🔊A2

Use 'escala' when referring to a series of values or a ratio, like on a map or a measurement system.

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radio🔊B1

Use 'radio' to indicate the area of influence or operation, or the geometric radius of a circle or sphere.

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intervalo🔊B1

Use 'intervalo' for a specific period of time between events or a mathematical set of numbers.

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franja🔊B1

Use 'franja' to denote a specific bracket or segment, such as an age group, income level, or time slot.

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espectro🔊B2

Use 'espectro' to describe a wide variety or scale of something, often abstract concepts or phenomena like colors or political views.

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autonomíaB2

Use 'autonomía' specifically for the distance a vehicle or device can travel or operate on a single charge or full tank.

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repertorio🔊B2

Use 'repertorio' to refer to a collection or variety of skills, talents, or, more colloquially, excuses.

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ámbitoB2

Use 'ámbito' to describe the extent of someone's power, influence, or the scope of a particular field or topic.

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colecciónA1

Use 'colección' when referring to a group of similar items gathered together, like a fashion line or a personal collection.

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estufa🔊A1

Use 'estufa' specifically for the kitchen appliance used for cooking, also known as a stove.

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tiros🔊B2

Use 'tiros' in the idiomatic expression 'a un tiro de...' to mean a very short distance or 'a stone's throw away'.

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English → Spanish

gama

GAH-mahˈɡama

nounB1general
Use 'gama' when referring to a variety of products, colors, or options offered by a store or manufacturer.
A row of various colorful paint bottles in a spectrum of colors.

Examples

La tienda tiene una amplia gama de colores.

The store has a wide range of colors.

Estamos buscando un producto de gama alta.

We are looking for a high-end product.

Su voz cubre una gran gama de notas.

His voice covers a wide range of notes.

Using 'La' with Gama

This word is always feminine. Even when talking about 'high-end' technology or masculine things, you always say 'la gama'.

Describing Quality

In Spanish, we don't say 'expensive-end'; we use 'gama alta' (high range) for premium items and 'gama media' for mid-range items.

Range vs. Rank

Mistake: “Using 'rango' for a selection of colors.”

Correction: Use 'gama' when talking about a variety or spectrum (like colors/products). Use 'rango' for hierarchy or mathematical limits.

abanico

ah-bah-NEE-kohaβaˈniko

nounB2general
Use 'abanico' to describe a wide variety or spectrum of choices, possibilities, or things.
A row of various colorful umbrellas in different styles and patterns.

Examples

La tienda ofrece un amplio abanico de productos.

The store offers a wide range of products.

Hay un gran abanico de posibilidades para tu carrera.

There is a wide spectrum of possibilities for your career.

El candidato presentó un abanico de propuestas nuevas.

The candidate presented a variety of new proposals.

Using 'Amplio'

This meaning is almost always paired with the word 'amplio' (wide) to emphasize a big variety.

Literal Translation

Mistake: “Saying 'un rango de' instead of 'un abanico de'.”

Correction: While 'rango' is used in math, 'abanico' sounds much more natural when talking about options or choices.

rango

RRAHN-gohˈraŋ.ɡo

nounB2general
Use 'rango' for a scope, extent, or a specific measurement, especially temperature, salary, or skill levels.
A single, colorful arching arrow spans a wide distance between a defined starting point and an ending point on a flat plane, illustrating extent.

Examples

El rango de temperatura ideal para esta planta es entre 15 y 25 grados.

The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 15 and 25 degrees.

Esta radio tiene un rango de recepción muy amplio.

This radio has a very wide reception range.

Los datos caen en el rango esperado.

The data falls within the expected range.

Prepositions with Rango

When specifying the limits of a range, use 'entre... y...' (between... and...) or 'desde... hasta...' (from... to...).

cobertura

koh-behr-TOO-rahkoβeɾˈtuɾa

nounA2general
Use 'cobertura' to talk about the area where a service like mobile phone signal or Wi-Fi is available.
A tall, simple cellular tower emitting bright green signal waves that clearly reach a small, stylized mobile phone in the distance.

Examples

¿Hay buena cobertura de móvil aquí?

Is there good mobile coverage here?

Perdí la cobertura justo al entrar al túnel.

I lost signal (the coverage) right as I entered the tunnel.

Feminine Noun Rule

'Cobertura' is always feminine, so you must use 'la cobertura' or 'una cobertura' and feminine adjectives, like 'cobertura buena'.

alcance

ahl-KAHN-sehalˈkance

nounA2general
Use 'alcance' to refer to the physical distance something can reach, like a thrown object or a weapon's effect.
A small child standing on tiptoes, stretching their hand out toward a brightly colored, high shelf containing a single toy, demonstrating the limit of their reach.

Examples

El libro está en el estante de arriba, fuera de mi alcance.

The book is on the top shelf, out of my reach.

La decisión del gobierno tiene un gran alcance nacional.

The government's decision has a great national scope/impact.

La señal de Wi-Fi tiene un alcance muy limitado en esta zona.

The Wi-Fi signal has a very limited range in this area.

Using Prepositions with Alcance

You almost always use 'al alcance de' (within reach of) or 'fuera de alcance' (out of reach).

Confusing Alcance (Noun) and Alcanzar (Verb)

Mistake: “Using 'el alcanzar' when you mean 'the reach' (el alcance).”

Correction: Remember 'alcance' is the thing (the distance/scope), and 'alcanzar' is the action (to reach).

escala

es-KAH-lahesˈka.la

nounA2general
Use 'escala' when referring to a series of values or a ratio, like on a map or a measurement system.
A massive green tree standing next to a tiny, identical miniature model of the tree, illustrating a size ratio.

Examples

La escala del mapa es de uno a diez mil.

The scale of the map is one to ten thousand.

Necesitamos medir la temperatura en la escala Celsius.

We need to measure the temperature on the Celsius scale.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'escala' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la escala' or 'una escala' before it.

radio

RA-dyoˈra.ðjo

nounB1general
Use 'radio' to indicate the area of influence or operation, or the geometric radius of a circle or sphere.
A large, brightly colored circle with a line segment drawn from its center point to the edge.

Examples

El radio de la Tierra es de aproximadamente 6,371 kilómetros.

The Earth's radius is approximately 6,371 kilometers.

Necesitamos un círculo con un radio de cinco centímetros.

We need a circle with a radius of five centimeters.

La antena wifi tiene un radio de alcance de 20 metros.

The Wi-Fi antenna has a range of 20 meters.

The Masculine Version

When 'radio' means radius, spoke, or range, it's a boy! So you use 'el radio' or 'un radio'. This is the complete opposite of the broadcast meaning.

Mixing up the Genders

Mistake: “Calcula *la radio* del círculo.”

Correction: Calcula *el radio* del círculo. For math and science topics, think masculine ('el').

intervalo

een-ter-BA-lointeɾˈbalo

nounB1general
Use 'intervalo' for a specific period of time between events or a mathematical set of numbers.
A row of three colorful birdhouses with empty gaps of space between each one.

Examples

Hubo un intervalo de diez minutos entre las dos películas.

There was a ten-minute interval between the two movies.

Las luces parpadean a intervalos de cinco segundos.

The lights blink at five-second intervals.

El intervalo de temperatura hoy será de 15 a 20 grados.

The temperature range today will be from 15 to 20 degrees.

Using 'a intervalos'

Use this phrase when you want to say something happens 'every now and then' or with a specific rhythm, like 'a intervalos regulares' (at regular intervals).

Gender memory aid

It's a masculine noun ending in -o. Think of 'un intervalo' as 'a period,' which is also masculine (un periodo).

Intervalo vs. Descanso

Mistake: “Using 'intervalo' for a coffee break at work.”

Correction: Use 'descanso' or 'pausa' for a work break; 'intervalo' is more about the measurement of the gap between events.

franja

FRAN-hahˈfɾanxa

nounB1general
Use 'franja' to denote a specific bracket or segment, such as an age group, income level, or time slot.
A single glowing rectangle highlighted within a grid of empty boxes.

Examples

En esta franja horaria, el tráfico es muy pesado.

In this time slot, traffic is very heavy.

La película está dirigida a una franja de edad de entre 18 y 25 años.

The movie is aimed at an age range between 18 and 25 years old.

España y México están en diferentes franjas horarias.

Spain and Mexico are in different time zones.

Using with Adjectives

When used for time or demographics, it is almost always followed by an adjective (like 'horaria' or 'etaria') to clarify what kind of slot it is.

Literal Translation

Mistake: “No tengo un tiempo slot para la reunión.”

Correction: No tengo una franja horaria para la reunión. Use 'franja horaria' to talk about chunks of time in a calendar.

espectro

es-PEK-troesˈpektɾo

nounB2general
Use 'espectro' to describe a wide variety or scale of something, often abstract concepts or phenomena like colors or political views.
A vibrant rainbow arching across a clear blue sky, showing a full range of colors.

Examples

El arcoíris muestra todo el espectro de colores.

The rainbow shows the full spectrum of colors.

Esta medicina trata un amplio espectro de enfermedades.

This medicine treats a broad range of illnesses.

Hay opiniones diferentes en todo el espectro político.

There are different opinions across the entire political spectrum.

Using 'el' with Espectro

This is a 'masculine' word, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even when talking about varied topics.

Adjective Placement

When describing a 'broad' range, put the adjective 'amplio' before the word ('amplio espectro') to sound more natural and professional.

Confusing Spectrum with 'Space'

Mistake: “Usar 'espacio' para hablar de política.”

Correction: Use 'espectro' when talking about a scale of ideas from one side to another, like left-wing to right-wing politics.

autonomía

nounB2general
Use 'autonomía' specifically for the distance a vehicle or device can travel or operate on a single charge or full tank.

Examples

La autonomía de este móvil es de solo cinco horas.

The battery life of this mobile phone is only five hours.

repertorio

re-per-TO-ryoreberˈtoɾjo

nounB2general
Use 'repertorio' to refer to a collection or variety of skills, talents, or, more colloquially, excuses.
A wooden box filled with a wide variety of colorful artist tools like brushes, pencils, and sponges.

Examples

Él siempre tiene un repertorio de excusas para llegar tarde.

He always has a range of excuses for arriving late.

Su repertorio de chistes es infinito.

His stock of jokes is infinite.

La cocinera mostró todo su repertorio de recetas tradicionales.

The cook showed her whole range of traditional recipes.

Figurative Use

You can use this word just like 'range' in English to describe someone's habits or frequently repeated actions.

ámbito

nounB2formal
Use 'ámbito' to describe the extent of someone's power, influence, or the scope of a particular field or topic.

Examples

Esa decisión queda fuera del ámbito de mi competencia.

That decision falls outside the scope of my authority.

colección

nounA1general
Use 'colección' when referring to a group of similar items gathered together, like a fashion line or a personal collection.

Examples

Mi abuelo tiene una colección increíble de relojes antiguos.

My grandfather has an incredible collection of antique watches.

estufa

es-TOO-fahesˈtufa

nounA1general
Use 'estufa' specifically for the kitchen appliance used for cooking, also known as a stove.
A modern kitchen stove with a black cooktop and four burners.

Examples

La sopa está en la estufa.

The soup is on the stove.

Mi abuela tiene una estufa de gas muy antigua.

My grandmother has a very old gas stove.

Limpia la estufa después de cocinar para que no se pegue la grasa.

Clean the stove after cooking so the grease doesn't stick.

Gender of Appliances

Since 'estufa' ends in 'a,' it is almost always feminine. Use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Stove vs. Kitchen

In many countries, 'la cocina' means both the room and the appliance, but 'la estufa' specifically refers to the device you cook on.

Stove vs. Oven

Mistake: “Pongo el pollo a hornear en la estufa.”

Correction: Pongo el pollo a hornear en el horno.

tiros

TEE-rohsˈti.ɾos

nounB2idiomatic
Use 'tiros' in the idiomatic expression 'a un tiro de...' to mean a very short distance or 'a stone's throw away'.
A vast, empty landscape illustrating a long, measurable distance, stretching from the foreground viewer toward a tiny, distant object on the horizon.

Examples

Vivimos a un tiro de piedra del mar.

We live a stone's throw away from the sea (very close).

Esa oportunidad estuvo a tiros de ser nuestra.

That opportunity was within striking distance of being ours.

Variety vs. Distance

The most common confusion is between words meaning 'variety' (like gama, abanico, espectro) and words meaning 'distance' or 'reach' (like alcance, radio, autonomía). Always ask yourself: am I talking about a selection of things, or how far something goes?

Related Translations

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