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How to Say "thickness" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “thickness” is “densidad” — use 'densidad' when referring to the compactness of a substance (like a liquid or gas) or the abstract complexity of an idea..

English → Spanish

densidad

/den-see-DAHD//den.siˈðað/

nounB1general
Use 'densidad' when referring to the compactness of a substance (like a liquid or gas) or the abstract complexity of an idea.
A jar filled with many colorful marbles packed tightly together compared to a jar with only a few marbles.

Examples

La densidad del aire cambia con la altitud.

The density of the air changes with altitude.

La densidad del aceite es menor que la del agua.

The density of oil is less than that of water.

Esta ciudad tiene una densidad de población muy alta.

This city has a very high population density.

No me gusta la densidad de esta salsa, prefiero algo más ligero.

I don't like the thickness of this sauce; I prefer something lighter.

The '-dad' ending rule

Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine in Spanish. Use 'la' and 'una' with this word.

Describing contents

To say what the density refers to, use 'de' followed by the subject, such as 'densidad de tráfico' (traffic density).

Gender confusion

Mistake: “El densidad del aire.”

Correction: La densidad del aire. (Words ending in -dad are feminine.)

grueso

/grway-so//ˈɡɾweso/

nounB2general
Use 'grueso' to describe the physical measurement or bulk of an object, or metaphorically, the main part of a group.
A large group of blue birds flying together as one big unit, with only two birds flying far away.

Examples

Necesitamos un cable con mayor grueso para esta instalación.

We need a cable with greater thickness for this installation.

El grueso de los manifestantes se quedó en la plaza.

The bulk of the protesters stayed in the square.

Ya hemos terminado el grueso del proyecto.

We have already finished the main part of the project.

Using 'El Grueso' for Quantities

When used with 'de', it indicates the largest part of something. It is always used with 'el' (masculine singular).

Confusing physical thickness with density

Learners often mistakenly use 'densidad' for the physical size of an object. Remember that 'densidad' refers to how tightly packed something is (like liquid or ideas), while 'grueso' refers to the actual measurement of how wide or thick something is.

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