At the A1 level, you should recognize 'milímetro' as a basic word for measurement. You will likely see it on rulers or in math problems. It is important to know that it is part of the metric system, which is used in almost all Spanish-speaking countries. At this stage, just focus on the fact that it is a very small unit, smaller than a 'centímetro'. You might use it to describe the thickness of a notebook or the size of a small insect. Remember that it is a masculine word: 'el milímetro'. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, but being able to say 'mide un milímetro' (it measures one millimeter) is a great start. Learning this word early helps you get used to the metric system, which is vital for daily life in Spain or Latin America. Practice saying the word out loud, focusing on the 'LÍ' sound, as the accent is very important for being understood.
At the A2 level, you are expected to use 'milímetro' in more practical, everyday contexts. You should be able to follow simple instructions that involve measurements, such as in a DIY guide or a recipe that requires precise thickness (like 'corta la masa a tres milímetros'). You will also encounter it in weather reports, where rain is measured in millimeters. You should understand the difference between 'un milímetro' and 'unos milímetros'. This is also the stage where you start to see the word in the phrase 'al milímetro', meaning 'exactly' or 'perfectly'. For example, 'limpió la casa al milímetro'. You are building the ability to describe objects with more detail, moving beyond just 'big' or 'small' to specific dimensions. Knowing that 10mm = 1cm is a helpful mathematical connection to make in Spanish as well.
At the B1 level, your use of 'milímetro' becomes more nuanced. You can use it to describe technical specifications or to make precise comparisons. You might use it in a professional context, like discussing the dimensions of a product or the layout of a document. You should be comfortable using it with a variety of verbs like 'ajustar', 'reducir', and 'ampliar'. At this level, you also start to appreciate the metaphorical uses of the word in more complex conversations. For instance, in a debate, you might say 'no voy a cambiar de opinión ni un milímetro' to show your firm stance. You are also expected to handle the plural forms and gender agreement perfectly, even in faster speech. Your understanding of 'milímetro' now includes its role in science, geography, and medicine, allowing you to read more diverse texts without confusion.
At the B2 level, 'milímetro' is a tool for expressing extreme precision and detail in both formal and informal registers. You can use it to describe intricate processes, such as the calibration of high-tech machinery or the fine details of an architectural plan. You should be able to use the word in idiomatic expressions fluently. For example, 'seguir las reglas al milímetro' (to follow the rules to the letter). You can also discuss the implications of small measurements in professional fields like engineering, where a single 'milímetro' can be the difference between success and failure. Your vocabulary is sophisticated enough to distinguish between 'milímetro' and related units like 'micra' or 'nanómetro' when necessary. You can also use the word to add emphasis to your descriptions, making your Spanish sound more native and precise.
At the C1 level, you use 'milímetro' with the ease of a native speaker, often in abstract or highly specialized contexts. You might use it to analyze the 'milimetrada' (calculated to the millimeter) nature of a political strategy or a marketing campaign. You understand the historical and scientific weight of the metric system in the Hispanic world and can discuss it in detail. In literary analysis, you might describe an author's style as 'milimétrico' if it is exceptionally precise and careful. You are also aware of regional variations in how measurements are discussed, though 'milímetro' remains the universal standard. Your ability to use the word metaphorically is advanced, allowing you to convey subtle meanings about space, time, and effort. You can effortlessly switch between literal and figurative meanings depending on the audience and the purpose of your communication.
At the C2 level, 'milímetro' is a word you can manipulate to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You might use it in a philosophical discussion about the nature of space or in a high-level scientific paper. You have a complete grasp of its etymology and its relationship to other Greek-derived terms in Spanish. You can use it to critique precision itself, perhaps discussing the 'obsesión milimétrica' of modern society. In creative writing, you might use 'milímetro' to create vivid, microscopic imagery that grounds your prose in physical reality. You are also capable of understanding and using very rare or technical derivatives of the word. Your mastery of the word is such that you can use it in humor, irony, or profound metaphor, always with perfect grammatical and contextual accuracy.

milímetro في 30 ثانية

  • Milímetro is a masculine noun meaning millimeter, a unit of length equal to one-thousandth of a meter in the metric system.
  • It is used for extreme precision in technical fields like construction, medicine, and engineering, as well as in daily weather reports.
  • The word is often used figuratively in phrases like 'al milímetro' to mean 'perfectly' or 'exactly' in terms of following rules or plans.
  • Correct pronunciation requires stressing the third-to-last syllable (mi-LÍ-me-tro), and the spelling uses a single 'l' with a written accent.

The Spanish word milímetro is a masculine noun that refers to a unit of length in the metric system, specifically representing one-thousandth of a meter. In everyday Spanish, it is the go-to term for describing very small distances, thicknesses, or precise adjustments. While English speakers in the United States often think in inches or fractions of an inch, Spanish speakers across the globe—from the bustling streets of Madrid to the workshops of Mexico City—rely on the milímetro for everything from construction and engineering to fashion and medicine. Understanding this word is not just about learning a measurement; it is about adopting the precision required in technical Spanish environments. When you hear someone say that something is 'perfecto al milímetro', they aren't just talking about size; they are praising the absolute accuracy and attention to detail of a task. This word is fundamental for anyone looking to navigate professional settings, follow DIY instructions, or even describe the rainfall in a weather report.

Technical Precision
In engineering and architecture, the milímetro is the standard unit of measurement. Unlike the centimeter, which is often used for clothing or general height, the millimeter provides the granularity needed for blueprints and mechanical parts. If a piece of wood is off by just one milímetro, the entire structure might suffer.
Metaphorical Usage
Beyond physical measurement, milímetro is frequently used metaphorically to denote an incredibly small margin or a refusal to compromise. Phrases like 'no ceder ni un milímetro' (not giving an inch) highlight the word's role in describing stubbornness or unwavering principles in a debate or negotiation.
Meteorological Context
In Spain and Latin America, rainfall is measured in 'milímetros por metro cuadrado'. When a news anchor reports that 50 milímetros of rain fell, they are describing the depth of water that would cover the ground, a vital statistic for agriculture and disaster prevention.

El carpintero ajustó la tabla para que encajara exactamente con un milímetro de margen.

The carpenter adjusted the board so it would fit exactly with a millimeter of margin.

Esta lente tiene un grosor de apenas un milímetro.

This lens has a thickness of barely one millimeter.

No podemos permitirnos fallar ni por un milímetro en este cálculo.

We cannot afford to fail even by a millimeter in this calculation.

La lluvia dejó diez milímetros de agua en el pluviómetro.

The rain left ten millimeters of water in the rain gauge.

El cirujano realizó una incisión de pocos milímetros.

The surgeon made an incision of a few millimeters.

In conclusion, the milímetro is more than just a notch on a ruler. It represents the standard of excellence and precision in the Spanish-speaking world. Whether you are measuring a screen size, checking the tread on a tire, or describing a close race where the winner won by a 'milímetro', this word serves as a bridge between scientific accuracy and everyday observation. Its consistent use across various dialects makes it a stable and essential part of your A2 vocabulary journey.

Using the word milímetro correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the common verbs that accompany it. Most frequently, you will find it paired with verbs of measurement like 'medir' (to measure), 'faltar' (to lack/be missing), or 'sobrar' (to be extra). Because it is a unit of measurement, it often follows a number, functioning as a quantifier for a noun. For example, 'una capa de dos milímetros' (a layer of two millimeters). It is also common in prepositional phrases starting with 'de' to describe the dimensions of an object, such as 'un cable de un milímetro'.

With Verbs of Precision
Verbs like 'ajustar' (to adjust) or 'calibrar' (to calibrate) often take milímetro as an object or within an adverbial phrase. 'Ajustamos la máquina al milímetro' suggests that the adjustment was done with extreme care.
In Comparisons
When comparing sizes, milímetro is used to show how small a difference is. 'Es un milímetro más largo que el otro' (It is one millimeter longer than the other). This is crucial in manufacturing and design contexts.

El cristal tiene un espesor de cinco milímetros.

The glass has a thickness of five millimeters.

One of the most interesting ways to use milímetro is in the phrase 'al milímetro'. This functions as an adverb meaning 'to the letter' or 'perfectly'. If someone says 'Sigue las instrucciones al milímetro', they are telling you to follow them exactly, without skipping any detail. This usage shifts the word from a literal measurement to a figurative expression of perfectionism. It is a favorite among Spanish speakers when discussing cooking recipes, legal procedures, or complex logistics.

Todo el plan fue calculado al milímetro para evitar errores.

The whole plan was calculated to the millimeter to avoid errors.

In a classroom or scientific setting, you might encounter the word in the context of mathematical problems. Students are often asked to 'convertir metros a milímetros' (convert meters to millimeters). Here, the word is purely functional. In more informal settings, like talking about the weather, you might hear 'cayeron veinte milímetros de lluvia', which is the standard way to quantify precipitation. Notice that in Spanish, we don't usually say 'inches of rain'; we always use milímetros.

You will encounter the word milímetro in a vast array of real-world scenarios across Spanish-speaking countries. One of the most common places is the ferretería (hardware store). If you are looking for a specific screw, bolt, or drill bit, the clerk will invariably ask for the size in milímetros. '¿De cuántos milímetros es la broca?' (How many millimeters is the drill bit?) is a standard question. This is a practical environment where precision is key, and knowing your measurements in the metric system is essential for any DIY project in a Spanish-speaking country.

Another frequent setting is the doctor's office or a pharmacy. Medical reports often describe findings in milímetros. For instance, a small cyst or a wound might be measured this way. 'La herida mide tres milímetros' (The wound measures three millimeters). Even in ophthalmology, the thickness of a lens or the diameter of a pupil is discussed using this unit. If you are reading a health report in Spanish, being comfortable with this word allows you to grasp the scale of the information being presented.

En la ferretería, pedí un tornillo de ocho milímetros.

At the hardware store, I asked for an eight-millimeter screw.

In the world of technology and design, milímetro is ubiquitous. When watching a Spanish-language tech review of a new smartphone, the reviewer will discuss the bezel thickness or the device's depth in milímetros. 'El nuevo teléfono es dos milímetros más delgado que el anterior' (The new phone is two millimeters thinner than the previous one). Similarly, in the fashion industry, especially in high-end tailoring or shoe manufacturing, measurements are often taken with this level of detail to ensure a perfect fit.

Sports commentary also provides a rich source of this word. In football (soccer), when a player is barely offside, the commentator might scream, '¡Estaba en fuera de juego por un milímetro!' (He was offside by a millimeter!). This hyperbole emphasizes how close the call was. In racing, whether it's Formula 1 or cycling, the distance between the winner and the runner-up might be described as a 'milímetro' in a photo finish. This usage highlights the word's role in conveying tension and extreme proximity.

While milímetro is a cognate and seemingly easy for English speakers, there are several pitfalls to avoid. The most common mistake is the pronunciation and accentuation. In Spanish, the word has a written accent on the second 'i': milímetro. This means the stress falls on the third-to-last syllable (it is an esdrújula word). English speakers often try to stress it like the English 'millimeter', which can make the word sound unnatural or even unrecognizable to a native speaker. Always emphasize the 'LÍ' sound: mi-LÍ-me-tro.

Another frequent error involves gender agreement. Since many words ending in 'o' are masculine, students usually get this right, but they often forget to change the accompanying adjective or article when using the plural. For example, saying 'las milímetros' instead of 'los milímetros' is a common slip-up for beginners. Additionally, when using the word as a measurement of rain, English speakers might try to translate 'inches' directly. Remember, in Spanish-speaking regions, 'milímetros' is the standard; saying 'pulgadas de lluvia' will sound very foreign and confusing.

Spelling Errors
English speakers often forget the accent mark or try to spell it with a double 'l' as in 'milli-'. In Spanish, 'milímetro' only has one 'l'. Using a double 'll' would change the pronunciation to a 'y' sound (mi-yí-me-tro), which is incorrect.
Confusing with 'Centímetro'
In casual conversation, some learners mix up centimeters and millimeters. Remember that 10 milímetros make one centímetro. Using the wrong unit in a technical context—like ordering a part—can lead to significant errors.

Incorrecto: El grosor es de un millimetro.
Correcto: El grosor es de un milímetro.

Watch the spelling: single 'l' and a required accent mark.

Lastly, learners often struggle with the prepositional structure. In English, we might say 'a five-millimeter gap'. In Spanish, you must use 'de': 'un hueco de cinco milímetros'. Forgetting the 'de' is a very common mistake that marks a speaker as non-native. Practice saying 'una diferencia de un milímetro' to get used to this rhythmic pattern.

While milímetro is the most precise term for this specific unit, there are several related words and alternatives you should know to enrich your vocabulary. Depending on the context—whether you are being scientific, colloquial, or descriptive—you might choose a different word to convey smallness or measurement.

Micra / Micrón
A 'micra' is a micrometer (one-thousandth of a millimeter). You will hear this in highly technical fields like microbiology or nanotechnology. If a milímetro is too large for what you are describing, 'micra' is the next step down.
Pizca
This is a colloquial alternative meaning 'a pinch' or 'a tiny bit'. While milímetro is literal, 'pizca' is used for things like salt in cooking or a 'pinch' of luck. 'No cambió ni una pizca' means it didn't change even a tiny bit.
Raya
In informal workshop talk, a 'raya' (line) often refers to the millimeter markings on a ruler. 'Súbelo una raya' might mean 'move it up one millimeter'. It’s very common among tradespeople.

Comparación: El milímetro es exacto, mientras que una 'pizca' es aproximada.

Comparison: The millimeter is exact, while a 'pinch' is approximate.

Understanding the metric hierarchy is also helpful. A 'centímetro' is ten times larger than a milímetro, and a 'metro' is a thousand times larger. In Spanish, we also have 'decímetro' (ten centimeters), though it is less commonly used in daily speech than the other three. When talking about very small distances in a non-scientific way, you might also hear 'un pelín' (a tiny bit) or 'un poquito'. However, if you are at a construction site, stick to milímetro to ensure you are taken seriously.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word was officially adopted as part of the metric system in France in 1795 and quickly spread to Spain and its colonies in the 19th century.

دليل النطق

UK /mɪˈlɪm.iː.tər/
US /ˈmɪl.əˌmi.tər/
The stress is on the third-to-last syllable: mi-LÍ-me-tro. This is an 'esdrújula' word.
يتقافى مع
perímetro centímetro decímetro parámetro diámetro termómetro barómetro kilómetro
أخطاء شائعة
  • Stressing the first syllable like in English.
  • Pronouncing the 'll' as a 'y' sound (there is only one 'l').
  • Forgetting the 'í' accent in writing.
  • Not pronouncing the final 'o' clearly.
  • Treating it as a feminine word.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a cognate.

الكتابة 3/5

The accent mark and single 'l' can be tricky for English speakers.

التحدث 3/5

Stress on the third-to-last syllable requires practice.

الاستماع 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

metro medir números pequeño regla

تعلّم لاحقاً

centímetro kilómetro grosor ancho largo

متقدم

micra nanómetro calibrar tolerancia milimetrado

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Nouns ending in -o are usually masculine.

El milímetro

Words stressed on the third-to-last syllable (esdrújulas) always have an accent.

Mi-lí-me-tro

Plural of nouns ending in a vowel is formed by adding -s.

Milímetros

Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun.

Cinco milímetros exactos

Measurement units often use the preposition 'de' to describe nouns.

Un cristal de seis milímetros

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

El insecto mide un milímetro.

The insect measures one millimeter.

Use 'un' because milímetro is masculine.

2

Dibuja una línea de diez milímetros.

Draw a line of ten millimeters.

Ten is 'diez', and milímetros is plural.

3

La punta del lápiz tiene un milímetro.

The pencil tip is one millimeter.

Noun phrase indicating size.

4

El papel es muy fino, solo un milímetro.

The paper is very thin, only one millimeter.

Adverb 'solo' modifies the quantity.

5

Tengo un tornillo de cinco milímetros.

I have a five-millimeter screw.

Preposition 'de' links the noun and its size.

6

¿Cuántos milímetros hay en un centímetro?

How many millimeters are there in a centimeter?

Interrogative 'cuántos' matches masculine plural.

7

El botón es de tres milímetros.

The button is three millimeters.

Identifying size with 'es de'.

8

Mira este pequeño milímetro en la regla.

Look at this small millimeter on the ruler.

Demonstrative 'este' matches masculine singular.

1

Corta la madera con un milímetro de error.

Cut the wood with one millimeter of error.

Context of precision in construction.

2

Hoy cayeron cinco milímetros de lluvia.

Today five millimeters of rain fell.

Standard way to measure rainfall.

3

La pantalla tiene un borde de un milímetro.

The screen has a one-millimeter border.

Describing technology features.

4

Necesito una broca de seis milímetros.

I need a six-millimeter drill bit.

Common request in a hardware store.

5

El cristal es de ocho milímetros de grosor.

The glass is eight millimeters thick.

Using 'grosor' (thickness) with measurements.

6

Ajusta la silla un milímetro a la izquierda.

Adjust the chair one millimeter to the left.

Imperative 'ajusta' for instructions.

7

La diferencia es de solo un milímetro.

The difference is only one millimeter.

Focusing on small margins.

8

Limpia cada rincón al milímetro.

Clean every corner perfectly.

Figurative use of 'al milímetro'.

1

El mecánico revisó el motor al milímetro.

The mechanic checked the engine to the millimeter.

Adverbial phrase for thoroughness.

2

La pieza debe encajar sin un milímetro de holgura.

The part must fit without a millimeter of play.

'Holgura' means gap or wiggle room.

3

Aumentamos el zoom para ver cada milímetro.

We increased the zoom to see every millimeter.

Using 'cada' for emphasis on detail.

4

No cedió ni un milímetro en la negociación.

He didn't give an inch in the negotiation.

Metaphorical use for stubbornness.

5

El diseño fue planeado al milímetro.

The design was planned to the millimeter.

Passive voice 'fue planeado'.

6

La lluvia de ayer alcanzó los cincuenta milímetros.

Yesterday's rain reached fifty millimeters.

Verbal phrase 'alcanzó los'.

7

Es un trabajo que requiere precisión al milímetro.

It is a job that requires precision to the millimeter.

Noun 'precisión' followed by the phrase.

8

El papel tiene un gramaje de un milímetro.

The paper has a weight/thickness of one millimeter.

Technical term 'gramaje'.

1

El cirujano operó con una precisión de milímetros.

The surgeon operated with a precision of millimeters.

Plural used to emphasize scale.

2

La estructura se desvió un milímetro por el calor.

The structure shifted a millimeter due to the heat.

Cause and effect with measurements.

3

Calculamos el milimetraje exacto de la película.

We calculated the exact millimeter count of the film.

Using the noun 'milimetraje'.

4

Cada milímetro de esta tela es de seda pura.

Every millimeter of this fabric is pure silk.

Emphasis on quality throughout.

5

El atleta perdió la carrera por un solo milímetro.

The athlete lost the race by a single millimeter.

Highlighting a tiny margin of defeat.

6

El sensor detecta movimientos de un milímetro.

The sensor detects movements of one millimeter.

Technical capability description.

7

No quiero que te muevas ni un milímetro de aquí.

I don't want you to move even a millimeter from here.

Strong command with 'ni un'.

8

La pintura se aplicó con un grosor de milímetros.

The paint was applied with a thickness of millimeters.

Describing texture and application.

1

La milimétrica organización del evento fue clave.

The millimeter-precise organization of the event was key.

Adjective 'milimétrica' derived from the noun.

2

El análisis descompone cada milímetro del texto.

The analysis breaks down every millimeter of the text.

Metaphor for deep literary analysis.

3

Bajo el microscopio, el milímetro parece un mundo.

Under the microscope, the millimeter looks like a world.

Philosophical observation on scale.

4

La tolerancia de la pieza es de medio milímetro.

The tolerance of the part is half a millimeter.

Fractional measurement 'medio'.

5

Su paciencia se agota milímetro a milímetro.

His patience is running out millimeter by millimeter.

Repetitive structure for gradual change.

6

El satélite mapeó la superficie al milímetro.

The satellite mapped the surface to the millimeter.

High-tech application of precision.

7

No hay un milímetro de desperdicio en este guion.

There isn't a millimeter of waste in this script.

Praising efficiency in writing.

8

La dilatación térmica fue de apenas unos milímetros.

The thermal expansion was barely a few millimeters.

Scientific terminology 'dilatación térmica'.

1

La ontología del milímetro desafía nuestra percepción.

The ontology of the millimeter challenges our perception.

Academic use in philosophy.

2

Escrutó la escena, analizando cada milímetro cuadrado.

He scrutinized the scene, analyzing every square millimeter.

Using 'cuadrado' for area measurement.

3

La precisión milimétrica roza la obsesión en su obra.

The millimeter-level precision verges on obsession in his work.

Complex sentence structure with 'roza'.

4

El azar decidió el destino por un ínfimo milímetro.

Chance decided fate by a tiny millimeter.

Elevated vocabulary 'ínfimo'.

5

La cartografía digital permite zooms de milímetros.

Digital cartography allows for millimeter-level zooms.

Modern technical context.

6

Se mantuvo firme, sin retroceder ni un milímetro.

He stood firm, without backing down even a millimeter.

Literary use for moral strength.

7

La sutileza del cambio se mide en milímetros.

The subtlety of the change is measured in millimeters.

Abstract concept of measurement.

8

Su discurso estaba milimetrado para causar impacto.

His speech was meticulously timed/planned to cause impact.

Participle 'milimetrado' as an adjective.

تلازمات شائعة

precisión al milímetro
espesor de un milímetro
ni un milímetro
pocos milímetros
milímetros de lluvia
ajustar al milímetro
un milímetro de margen
convertir a milímetros
milímetro cuadrado
cada milímetro

العبارات الشائعة

Al milímetro

— Exactly, perfectly, or with extreme attention to detail.

Siguió la receta al milímetro.

Ni un milímetro

— Not at all, or not even the smallest amount.

No retrocederemos ni un milímetro en nuestra decisión.

Por un milímetro

— By a very narrow margin.

Ganó la carrera por un milímetro.

Medir al milímetro

— To measure something with absolute precision.

Hay que medir el espacio al milímetro para que quepa el sofá.

A pocos milímetros

— Very close to something.

El coche pasó a pocos milímetros de la pared.

Error de un milímetro

— A very small mistake in measurement.

Un error de un milímetro puede arruinar el experimento.

Grosor en milímetros

— The thickness of an object measured in this unit.

Indica el grosor en milímetros en el formulario.

Cada milímetro cuenta

— Every little bit matters; precision is vital.

En la ingeniería, cada milímetro cuenta.

Milímetro a milímetro

— Slowly and steadily, bit by bit.

Avanzamos milímetro a milímetro por el túnel.

Cero milímetros

— None at all (usually referring to rain).

La previsión indica cero milímetros de lluvia.

يُخلط عادةً مع

milímetro vs centímetro

10 times larger than a millimeter.

milímetro vs micra

1000 times smaller than a millimeter.

milímetro vs milla

An English unit (mile) that sounds similar but is much larger.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Seguir al milímetro"

— To follow instructions or a path perfectly without deviation.

El actor siguió el guion al milímetro.

neutral
"No ceder ni un milímetro"

— To refuse to change one's position or opinion even slightly.

En la huelga, los trabajadores no cedieron ni un milímetro.

formal/neutral
"Calculado al milímetro"

— Something that has been planned with extreme care and precision.

El robo fue calculado al milímetro.

neutral
"A un milímetro de"

— To be on the verge of something or very close to it.

Estuvo a un milímetro de perder los estribos.

informal
"Ni un milímetro atrás"

— Refusing to retreat or lose progress.

Daremos un paso adelante y ni un milímetro atrás.

political/rhetorical
"Milimétricamente planeado"

— Planned with such detail that no errors are possible.

Su escape estaba milimétricamente planeado.

formal
"Perder por un milímetro"

— To lose by the smallest possible margin.

Perdieron el contrato por un milímetro de diferencia en el precio.

business
"Ajustado al milímetro"

— Fitting perfectly or having a very tight budget/schedule.

El presupuesto está ajustado al milímetro.

business/neutral
"Conocer al milímetro"

— To know something or someone extremely well.

Conozco esta ciudad al milímetro.

informal
"No faltar ni un milímetro"

— To be exactly the right size or amount.

No falta ni un milímetro de tela para el vestido.

neutral

سهل الخلط

milímetro vs millimetro

English spelling influence.

Spanish uses one 'l' and needs an accent.

Incorrect: millimetro. Correct: milímetro.

milímetro vs milímetro vs centímetro

Both are common units.

A millimeter is 1/10th of a centimeter.

Un centímetro tiene diez milímetros.

milímetro vs milímetro vs micra

Both are small units.

Micra is microscopic; millimeter is visible.

La bacteria se mide en micras, no en milímetros.

milímetro vs mili- (prefix)

Used in many words.

Mili- means thousandth; milímetro is the specific unit.

Miligramo es para peso, milímetro es para longitud.

milímetro vs milimetro (without accent)

Typing laziness.

The accent changes the stress and is grammatically required.

Escribe 'milímetro', no 'milimetro'.

أنماط الجُمل

A1

El [objeto] mide [número] milímetros.

El clip mide treinta milímetros.

A2

Necesito un [objeto] de [número] milímetros.

Necesito un tornillo de cuatro milímetros.

B1

Está [adjetivo] al milímetro.

Está calculado al milímetro.

B2

No [verbo] ni un milímetro.

No retrocedió ni un milímetro.

C1

La [sustantivo] milimétrica de [algo].

La precisión milimétrica de su reloj.

C2

Milímetro a milímetro, [acción].

Milímetro a milímetro, la roca se desgasta.

A2

Hay [número] milímetros de [sustantivo].

Hay diez milímetros de agua.

B1

Ajustar el/la [sustantivo] al milímetro.

Ajustar la puerta al milímetro.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

milímetro
milimetraje

الأفعال

milimetrar

الصفات

milimétrico
milimetrada

مرتبط

metro
centímetro
micra
medida
precisión

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Very high in technical, meteorological, and educational contexts.

أخطاء شائعة
  • El millimetro El milímetro

    Don't use double 'l' and don't forget the accent.

  • Unos milímetros de lluvia Milímetros de lluvia

    In weather reports, the article is often omitted or used differently than in English.

  • La milímetro El milímetro

    Measurement units in Spanish are almost always masculine.

  • Mide cinco milímetro Mide cinco milímetros

    Numbers greater than one require the plural form.

  • Seguir el plan al milimetro Seguir el plan al milímetro

    The idiom requires the correct spelling and accent to be formal.

نصائح

The 'LÍ' Key

The secret to sounding native is the 'LÍ'. Practice saying 'límetro' first, then add the 'mi' at the beginning.

One L Only

Spanish doesn't like double 'l' unless it's the 'y' sound. Since 'milímetro' sounds like 'l', use only one 'l'.

Rain Talk

When listening to the weather, remember that 20mm is a good amount of rain, but 100mm is a flood!

Think Metric

Try to estimate small things in millimeters instead of inches to build your metric intuition.

Agreement

Always check your numbers. 'Dos milímetros' (plural) vs 'Un milímetro' (singular).

Perfect Planning

Use 'todo milimetrado' to describe someone who is a perfectionist or very organized.

Listen for 'mm'

In technical videos, speakers often just say 'eme-eme' for milímetros. Be ready for both.

The Accent Matters

In Spanish, missing an accent can change the word's rhythm. Always write 'milímetro'.

Hardware Stores

If you go to a 'ferretería', always know your measurements in mm. They won't understand inches easily.

Scale

Remember: 1mm is about the thickness of a credit card. Use this as your mental reference.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'Milli'pede. It is small, like a 'mili'metro. It measures its path 'LÍ' (the stressed syllable) as it crawls.

ربط بصري

Imagine a ruler. Focus on the tiny lines between the centimeters. Those tiny gaps are 'milímetros'.

Word Web

metro centímetro regla medir pequeño precisión lluvia tornillo

تحدٍّ

Try to find five objects in your room that are less than ten milímetros thick and name them in Spanish.

أصل الكلمة

Formed from the prefix 'mili-' (from Latin 'mille', meaning thousand) and the root 'metro' (from Greek 'metron', meaning measure).

المعنى الأصلي: A thousandth part of a meter.

Indo-European (Latin/Greek roots).

السياق الثقافي

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral technical term.

English speakers must switch their mental scale from 1/16th of an inch to millimeters when working in Spanish contexts.

Scientific reports from the CSIC (Spain). Weather forecasts on Univision or RTVE. Architectural plans for the Sagrada Família.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Construction

  • Mide los milímetros
  • Corta al milímetro
  • Falta un milímetro
  • Grosor en milímetros

Weather

  • Milímetros de lluvia
  • Precipitación en milímetros
  • Diez milímetros
  • Pluviómetro

Medicine

  • Incision de milímetros
  • Tamaño en milímetros
  • Capa de milímetros
  • Pupila de milímetros

Cooking

  • Grosor de la masa
  • Dos milímetros
  • Cortar al milímetro
  • Lámina de un milímetro

Sports

  • Ganar por un milímetro
  • Fuera de juego por milímetros
  • Distancia de milímetros
  • Meta al milímetro

بدايات محادثة

"¿Cuántos milímetros de lluvia cayeron anoche en tu ciudad?"

"¿Crees que es necesario medir todo al milímetro en la cocina?"

"¿Alguna vez has perdido algo por solo un milímetro de diferencia?"

"¿Qué herramientas usas para medir milímetros en tu trabajo?"

"¿Te parece que el milímetro es una unidad demasiado pequeña para el uso diario?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Escribe sobre un momento en el que la precisión al milímetro fue muy importante para ti.

Describe un objeto pequeño de tu casa usando milímetros para sus dimensiones.

¿Cómo cambiaría tu vida si tuvieras que medir todo en milímetros durante un día?

Escribe una historia corta sobre un carpintero que se equivoca por un milímetro.

Reflexiona sobre la frase 'no ceder ni un milímetro' en el contexto de tus valores personales.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Es un sustantivo masculino. Siempre se dice 'el milímetro' o 'un milímetro', nunca 'la' o 'una'.

Se abrevia como 'mm', siempre en minúsculas y sin punto al final, a menos que sea el final de una oración.

Significa hacer algo con total precisión o seguir un plan exactamente como fue diseñado. Por ejemplo: 'Lo planeó al milímetro'.

Hay exactamente mil (1000) milímetros en un metro. El prefijo 'mili-' significa milésima parte.

Sí, es la unidad estándar. Un milímetro de lluvia equivale a un litro de agua por metro cuadrado.

Un centímetro es diez veces más grande que un milímetro. En una regla, los milímetros son las líneas más pequeñas.

Debes poner la fuerza de voz en la 'LÍ'. Suena como mi-LÍ-me-tro.

No directamente, pero se usa metafóricamente para hablar de lapsos muy cortos o avances lentos: 'avanzar milímetro a milímetro'.

No, en los países hispanohablantes el sistema métrico es el estándar. Las pulgadas solo se usan para pantallas y algunos tubos.

Es un papel que tiene una cuadrícula muy fina donde cada cuadrado pequeño mide un milímetro, usado en dibujo técnico.

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

writing

Escribe una frase usando 'milímetro' y 'tornillo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase usando 'al milímetro'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre la lluvia usando milímetros.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Describe el tamaño de un insecto pequeño en milímetros.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase con 'ni un milímetro'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Traduce: 'The glass is 5mm thick'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Usa el adjetivo 'milimétrica' en una frase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre un error de medición.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Usa 'milímetro a milímetro' en una frase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre un ajuste técnico.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Traduce: 'One centimeter is ten millimeters'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el borde de un teléfono.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Usa la palabra 'milimetrado' para describir un guion.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre una carrera muy reñida.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase usando 'precisión'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Traduce: 'I need an 8mm drill bit'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el espesor de una hoja.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Usa 'cada milímetro' en una frase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre un dibujo técnico.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Describe una actitud obstinada usando 'milímetro'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia: milímetro.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia: diez milímetros.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'Mide un milímetro'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'Todo al milímetro'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia: precisión milimétrica.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'Ni un milímetro atrás'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia: papel milimetrado.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'Cinco milímetros de lluvia'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia: milimétricamente.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'Un tornillo de ocho milímetros'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia el plural: milímetros.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'Ajustar al milímetro'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia: milimetraje.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'Faltan pocos milímetros'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia: milímetro cuadrado.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'Ni un milímetro de error'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia: microscopio.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'Medir cada milímetro'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia: micra.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Di una frase: 'La diferencia es de un milímetro'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Cuántos milímetros escuchas? (Audio: Diez)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Qué objeto se mide? (Audio: El tornillo mide tres milímetros)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Cuánta lluvia cayó? (Audio: Cayeron quince milímetros)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Cómo se hizo el trabajo? (Audio: Se hizo al milímetro)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Qué tipo de papel se necesita? (Audio: Papel milimetrado)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Cuál es el grosor? (Audio: Dos milímetros)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Qué unidad escuchas? (Audio: Milímetros)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Qué falta? (Audio: Falta un milímetro)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Cómo es la precisión? (Audio: Milimétrica)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Qué no hará? (Audio: No cederé ni un milímetro)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿De cuánto es la broca? (Audio: De seis milímetros)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Qué se ajustó? (Audio: Ajustamos el motor al milímetro)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Qué se mide? (Audio: El diámetro es de un milímetro)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Cómo avanzan? (Audio: Avanzamos milímetro a milímetro)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

¿Qué escuchas al final? (Audio: ...al milímetro)

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

محتوى ذو صلة

مزيد من كلمات numbers

absoluto

A2

شيء كامل وشامل وليس له حدود.

agrupar

A2

تعني كلمة 'agrupar' وضع الأشياء أو الأشخاص معًا في مجموعات، غالبًا بناءً على خصائص مشتركة. يشبه الأمر فرز العناصر إلى فئات.

altamente

A2

بدرجة عالية. هذا الكتاب موصى به بدرجة عالية. من المحتمل بدرجة عالية أن يحدث ذلك.

ampliamente

A2

كلمة 'ampliamente' تعني 'على نطاق واسع' أو 'بشكل مستفيض'.

anotar

A2

تدوين شيء ما أو كتابته بسرعة لتذكره. 'لقد سجل رقم هاتفي على ورقة.'

anual

A2

كلمة 'anual' تعني 'سنوي' باللغة العربية. تُستخدم لوصف الأشياء التي تحدث مرة واحدة في السنة، مثل التقرير السنوي (informe anual) أو الاجتماع السنوي (reunión anual).

anualidad

A2

القسط السنوي هو دفعة تتم كل عام.

aproximado

B1

هذه صفة تستخدم لوصف قيمة أو كمية قريبة من الواقع دون أن تكون دقيقة. التكلفة التقريبية للمشروع ستكون حوالي ألف دولار.

aproximar

B1

تقريب شيء من شيء آخر أو الاقتراب من شخص أو مكان.

bancario

A2

متعلق بالبنوك أو العمليات المصرفية. على سبيل المثال، حساب مصرفي أو بطاقة مصرفية.

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