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How to Say "rank" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “rank” is “rango” — use 'rango' primarily for military or professional hierarchies, indicating a specific level or position within an organization..

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rango

RRAHN-goh/ˈraŋ.ɡo/

nounB1formal
Use 'rango' primarily for military or professional hierarchies, indicating a specific level or position within an organization.
Three simple, stylized figures standing on a three-tiered pedestal, clearly illustrating a hierarchy or ranking system.

Examples

Ascendió rápidamente de rango dentro de la empresa.

He quickly rose in rank within the company.

El rango de coronel exige mucha responsabilidad.

The rank of colonel demands a lot of responsibility.

No importa tu rango social, todos son bienvenidos aquí.

Your social status doesn't matter; everyone is welcome here.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'rango' ends in -o, it is almost always a masculine word. Remember to use masculine articles like 'el' or 'un' before it.

categoría

nounB1general
Choose 'categoría' when discussing levels or classifications, especially for products, services, or abstract groupings.

Examples

Los productos se dividen en tres categorías: A, B y C.

The products are divided into three categories: A, B, and C.

lugar

/loo-GAR//luˈɡaɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'lugar' to describe a position achieved in a competition or a specific standing in a hierarchy, often implying a ranking.
A winner's podium with medals for first, second, and third place, symbolizing position or rank.

Examples

Ella obtuvo el primer lugar en la competencia.

She got first place in the competition.

En la lista de espera, ocupo el décimo lugar.

On the waiting list, I hold the tenth position.

El equipo descendió al último lugar de la tabla.

The team dropped to the last place in the standings.

grado

GRAH-doh/ˈɡɾa.ðo/

nounB2general
Employ 'grado' to refer to a level of intensity, quality, or risk within a hierarchy, or a specific academic or military rank.
A transparent glass beaker standing on a table, partially filled halfway up with bright blue liquid.

Examples

Tenemos que evaluar el grado de riesgo antes de invertir.

We have to evaluate the level of risk before investing.

El conflicto ha alcanzado un alto grado de complejidad.

The conflict has reached a high degree of complexity.

Abstract Use

This meaning is often followed by 'de' plus an abstract concept (e.g., 'grado de dificultad,' 'grado de madurez').

fila

/FEE-lah//ˈfi.la/

nounA2general
Use 'fila' specifically for a physical line or row, such as in a theater, classroom, or for soldiers standing in formation.
A horizontal arrangement of six identical, brightly colored chairs lined up perfectly side-by-side.

Examples

Nos sentamos en la tercera fila del teatro.

We sat in the third row of the theater.

El agricultor plantó tres filas de maíz.

The farmer planted three rows of corn.

Rows vs. Columns

In charts or spreadsheets, 'fila' is the horizontal arrangement (the row), while 'columna' is the vertical arrangement (the column).

Hierarchy vs. Physical Row

The most common confusion is between 'rango'/'grado'/'lugar' (hierarchical position) and 'fila' (physical row). Remember that 'fila' almost always refers to a physical line of people or things, while the others denote a level within a system.

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