Inklingo

How to Say "unit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

unidad

oo-nee-DAHD/u.niˈðað/

nounA1general
Use 'unidad' when referring to a standard, quantifiable measure or a discrete item, like in counting or inventory.
A solitary, smooth green cube sitting on a flat surface, representing a standard unit of measure.

Examples

Necesito diez unidades de este producto.

I need ten units of this product.

El metro es la unidad básica de longitud.

The meter is the basic unit of length.

Compré una unidad flash para guardar mis archivos.

I bought a flash drive (unit) to save my files.

Gender Trap: Words ending in -dad

Most Spanish nouns ending in -dad, like 'unidad,' are feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' before them.

Confusing Item and Time

Mistake:No venden 'por tiempo', solo por 'unidad'.

Correction: The correct phrase for selling individually is 'por unidad' (by the item).

crédito

nounB1academic
Use 'crédito' specifically for academic credits that count towards a degree or course completion.

Examples

Necesitas 60 créditos para graduarte este semestre.

You need 60 credits to graduate this semester.

tema

/TEH-mah//ˈte.ma/

nounB1academic
Use 'tema' when referring to a specific chapter, section, or topic within a textbook, course, or lesson.
A vertical stack of three simple, colorful textbooks, where the top book is slightly elevated and separated from the rest of the stack, indicating a distinct unit.

Examples

Para el examen de mañana, hay que estudiar los tres primeros temas.

For tomorrow's exam, you have to study the first three units.

Hoy vamos a empezar un tema nuevo en la clase de historia.

Today we are going to start a new lesson in history class.

célula

nounB2specialized
Use 'célula' to refer to a small, specialized, often clandestine group, such as a terrorist cell or a basic biological unit.

Examples

La policía desarticuló una célula terrorista en la capital.

The police broke up a terrorist cell in the capital.

Unidad vs. Tema

Learners often confuse 'unidad' and 'tema' when referring to parts of a book or course. Remember, 'unidad' is for countable items or standard measures, while 'tema' specifically means a chapter or topic within a larger academic structure.

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