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A2 noun #1,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

nivel

Top 1,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces nivel en 30 secondes

Explication nivel in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, your primary goal is to recognize and use the word in its most basic forms. You should understand that it means level and is a masculine noun, so it is always el nivel. You will mostly encounter it when talking about language classes, such as el nivel de español. You should practice simple sentences like mi nivel es básico (my level is basic). Do not worry about complex metaphorical uses yet. Focus on pronunciation, ensuring the stress is on the second syllable. You might also see it in video games, which is a fun way to remember it. Keep your sentences short and direct. Use it with simple adjectives like alto (high) and bajo (low). Remember that the plural is niveles. Practice writing it in your notebook alongside its English translation. Try to spot it when you are reading simple texts or listening to beginner audio tracks. It is a very common word, so you will see it often. Just knowing the basic translation will help you understand a lot of everyday conversations. Keep practicing the pronunciation: ni-VEL. Say it out loud several times. This foundational knowledge will prepare you for more complex uses later.

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At the A2 elementary level, you are ready to expand how you use this noun. You already know it means level, but now you should start using it in common phrases. A very important phrase to learn is el nivel de vida, which means the standard of living. You should also practice using it with the preposition de to connect it to other nouns, like el nivel de estrés (stress level). Start paying attention to verbs that go with it, especially subir (to go up) and bajar (to go down). For example, you can say el nivel del agua sube (the water level goes up). You will also hear it a lot in comparisons. You can say something is a un buen nivel (at a good level). Practice using it to describe things around you, like the volume of the television or the difficulty of a task. Make sure you are always using the masculine articles el and un correctly. Start listening for it in simple news reports or weather forecasts, especially when they talk about sea levels or temperatures. This is a great word to help you sound more natural when describing quantities or qualities.

At the B1 intermediate level, your use of the word should become much more flexible and nuanced. You are now capable of using it in professional and academic contexts. You should be comfortable with phrases like a nivel nacional (at the national level) or a nivel personal (on a personal level). These expressions are incredibly common in everyday discussions and debates. You should also understand its use in medical contexts, such as el nivel de azúcar (sugar level) or el nivel de colesterol. Start using more varied verbs with it, such as mantener (to maintain) or alcanzar (to reach). For example, alcanzar un alto nivel (to reach a high level). You should also be aware of the slang usage, such as saying something is de otro nivel (next level) to mean it is amazing. Pay attention to how native speakers use it to structure their arguments or describe complex situations. Practice writing short essays where you use this word to compare different things or explain a process. Your goal at this stage is to move beyond simple physical descriptions and use the word to express abstract concepts confidently and accurately.

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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, you are expected to use the word with a high degree of precision and naturalness. You should be completely comfortable with all its common collocations and idiomatic expressions. You will use it effortlessly in professional settings, discussing things like el nivel de exigencia (the level of demand) or el nivel adquisitivo (purchasing power). You should also be able to recognize when NOT to use it, avoiding the common mistake of using it for the floors of a building (piso) or for temperature (grados). You should be able to understand and use phrases like estar a la altura del nivel (to be up to the standard). In your writing and speaking, you should use it to add sophistication to your arguments. For example, when discussing politics or economics, phrases like a nivel macroeconómico are perfectly appropriate. You should also be able to consume native media—like news, podcasts, and articles—and fully grasp the nuances of how journalists and experts use the word to convey precise measurements or abstract standards. Practice debating topics where you must evaluate the level of quality or success of different initiatives.

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At the C1 advanced level, your command of the word should be near-native. You are not just using the word correctly; you are using it stylistically to enhance your communication. You understand the subtle differences between this word and its synonyms like grado, estándar, and categoría, and you choose the perfect word for the specific context. You are comfortable with highly specialized vocabulary, such as el nivel freático (water table) in geography or el nivel de significación (significance level) in statistics. You use phrases like a nivel de smoothly to transition between ideas, though you are also aware that overusing it can sound like corporate jargon, so you vary your vocabulary accordingly. You can effortlessly understand literary or poetic uses of the word, where it might represent a spiritual or emotional plane of existence. In your own speech, you use it to articulate complex, abstract thoughts with precision. You can comfortably participate in high-level academic or professional discussions where the standard of work or the scale of an operation is being analyzed in deep detail.

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At the C2 mastery level, your understanding and application of the word are indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. You possess a complete intuitive grasp of its etymology, its cultural connotations, and its stylistic variations across different Spanish-speaking regions. You can play with the word, using it in creative or unconventional ways while still maintaining grammatical perfection. You are aware of how its usage has evolved, perhaps noting how English idioms like next level have influenced modern Spanish slang (de otro nivel). You can write academic papers, legal documents, or literary critiques using the word with absolute precision. You understand every possible idiomatic expression, technical jargon, and regional variation associated with it. You can correct others' subtle misuses of the word, explaining why a certain synonym might be stylistically preferable in a given sentence. Your vocabulary is so expansive that while you use this word perfectly, you also have a dozen alternatives ready to deploy to avoid repetition and enrich your prose. Your mastery is complete.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

nivel en 30 secondes

Means 'level' or 'standard' in English.
Always a masculine noun: el nivel.
Used for physical heights and abstract qualities.
Very common in gaming, education, and business.

The Spanish word nivel is an incredibly versatile and frequently used noun that translates to level or standard in English. When you are learning Spanish, understanding how to use this word correctly will significantly elevate your ability to communicate effectively in a wide variety of contexts. The concept of a level can apply to physical heights, such as the water level in a river or the sea level, which is crucial for geography and weather discussions. It also applies to abstract concepts, such as a person's level of proficiency in a language, their level of stress at work, or the standard of living in a particular country.

El agua alcanzó un alto nivel.

In everyday conversation, you will hear native speakers use this word to describe the quality of something, the position of someone in a hierarchy, or the intensity of an emotion. For example, if a restaurant has excellent food and service, you might say it is of a high level. If a student is doing very well in school, their academic level is considered superior. The word is masculine, so it is always preceded by masculine articles such as el, un, los, or unos.

Grammar Note: Always use masculine articles with this noun.

It is important to remember that the plural form is niveles, which is formed simply by adding the letters es to the end of the singular word. This follows the standard Spanish grammar rule for nouns ending in a consonant. Furthermore, the word is often used in idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases that are essential for achieving fluency.

Tiene un buen nivel.

For instance, the phrase a nivel de is widely used in both formal and informal contexts to mean at the level of or regarding. You might hear a politician talking about changes a nivel nacional, meaning at the national level, or a manager discussing decisions made a nivel directivo, meaning at the management level. Another common phrase is estar al nivel, which means to be up to the standard or to be on par with expectations. If an athlete performs exceptionally well, commentators might say they are at the level of the champions. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking Spanish. Additionally, the word can be used in technical or scientific contexts, such as measuring the level of cholesterol in the blood or the level of pollution in the air.

Subió al siguiente nivel.

In video games, which are very popular among language learners, the word is used to describe the different stages or difficulties of the game, such as level one or advanced level. This makes it a highly relevant word for modern, everyday vocabulary. When you practice using this word, try to incorporate it into different types of sentences to see how its meaning adapts to the context.

Context Usage: Very common in gaming and education.

You can use it to compare things, to describe states of being, or to express measurements. The more you use it, the more comfortable you will become with its various applications. Remember to pay attention to the prepositions that often accompany it, such as de, a, or en, as they can change the meaning of the phrase entirely.

Es un nivel muy difícil.

By mastering the use of this essential noun, you will take a significant step forward in your journey to Spanish fluency, expanding your ability to express complex ideas and participate in more sophisticated conversations with native speakers from all around the Spanish-speaking world.

Summary: A crucial word for daily communication.

Mejoró su nivel de español.

Using the word nivel correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its collocations and the grammatical structures that surround it. As a masculine noun, it dictates the gender of the adjectives that modify it. For example, you would say un nivel alto for a high level, not una nivel alta. This agreement is fundamental in Spanish grammar and must be practiced consistently until it becomes second nature.

Mantiene un nivel excelente.

When discussing abstract concepts, such as quality or proficiency, the word is often followed by the preposition de and another noun. For instance, el nivel de vida translates to the standard of living, and el nivel de estrés means the stress level. These constructions are extremely common in both spoken and written Spanish, making them essential vocabulary for any learner.

Structure: Noun + de + Noun is the standard pattern.

Another frequent use is in comparative sentences. You might hear someone say that one thing is al mismo nivel que another, meaning it is at the same level as or on par with it. This is a great way to express equality or similarity in quality, status, or ability.

Estamos al mismo nivel.

In professional or academic settings, the phrase a nivel is frequently used as a prefix to describe the scope or scale of something. For example, a project might be implemented a nivel mundial (worldwide) or a nivel local (locally). This usage is slightly more advanced but very useful for expressing precise ideas in business or formal discussions. When talking about physical measurements, the word is often combined with terms related to height or depth. El nivel del mar (sea level) is a classic example, used in geography and weather reports. Similarly, you might talk about el nivel del agua (water level) in a river or a tank.

Bajo el nivel del mar.

Verbs that commonly pair with this noun include subir (to raise/go up), bajar (to lower/go down), mantener (to maintain), and alcanzar (to reach). For instance, you can say subir de nivel (to level up, especially in games or skills) or mantener un buen nivel (to maintain a good standard).

Verbs: Pair with subir, bajar, and alcanzar.

These verb-noun collocations are the building blocks of fluent speech. By memorizing these combinations, you avoid the common mistake of translating directly from English and instead use natural-sounding Spanish phrasing.

Quiero subir mi nivel.

It is also worth noting that in some contexts, the word can be used metaphorically to describe a situation that has reached a critical point, such as un nivel de alerta (an alert level). Understanding these varied sentence structures will give you the flexibility to use the word accurately in almost any situation you encounter.

Metaphors: Can be used for abstract limits.

Llegó a un nivel crítico.

The word nivel is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, appearing in a vast array of contexts ranging from casual daily conversations to highly technical professional environments. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in the realm of education and language learning. Teachers and students frequently discuss el nivel de español (the level of Spanish) or refer to specific proficiency frameworks like el nivel A2 (the A2 level).

Mi nivel es intermedio.

In the workplace, the word is equally prevalent. During meetings, professionals might talk about the standard of work, referring to it as el nivel de calidad (the quality level). You will also hear it used to describe organizational hierarchies, such as un gerente de alto nivel (a high-level manager) or decisions made a nivel ejecutivo (at the executive level).

Workplace: Used for hierarchies and quality standards.

Another major domain where this word shines is in technology and entertainment, particularly in video games. Gamers constantly talk about passing a level (pasar de nivel) or leveling up their characters (subir de nivel). This usage has bled into everyday slang, where young people might say something is de otro nivel (next level) to describe something exceptionally good or impressive.

Ese juego tiene un nivel oculto.

In the context of health and medicine, doctors and patients frequently use the word to discuss test results. For example, they might talk about el nivel de azúcar en la sangre (blood sugar level) or el nivel de colesterol (cholesterol level). This makes it a critical vocabulary word for anyone navigating healthcare in a Spanish-speaking country. News broadcasts and journalism also rely heavily on this word. Reporters often discuss economic indicators, such as el nivel de desempleo (the unemployment level) or el nivel de inflación (the inflation level). They also use it in environmental reporting, mentioning el nivel del río (the river level) during flood warnings.

El nivel del río bajó.

In sports commentary, analysts evaluate the performance of athletes by discussing their competitive level. They might say a team showed un gran nivel (a great level) during a match.

Sports: Describes the quality of play.

Because it appears in so many different spheres of life, from the casual to the highly formal, mastering this word is non-negotiable for anyone serious about becoming fluent in Spanish. It is a true linguistic workhorse that you will hear on television, read in newspapers, and use in your own daily conversations.

Mostró un nivel increíble hoy.

Everyday: Used constantly in daily life.

Es de otro nivel.

When learning how to use the word nivel, English speakers often make a few predictable mistakes due to direct translation or confusion with similar-sounding words. One of the most common errors is confusing it with the word piso or planta when talking about the floors of a building. In English, we might say the second level of the building, but in Spanish, you must say el segundo piso or la segunda planta. Using nivel in this context sounds unnatural to native speakers.

No es un nivel del edificio.

Another frequent mistake involves the gender of the word. Because it ends in an l, some learners mistakenly assume it might be feminine, leading to incorrect phrases like la nivel. It is strictly masculine, so you must always use el, un, or other masculine modifiers.

Gender Error: Never say la nivel, always el nivel.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the preposition that follows the word. When describing the level of something, the correct preposition is almost always de. Saying el nivel para estrés instead of el nivel de estrés is a common error that marks the speaker as a beginner.

El nivel de ruido es alto.

Additionally, there is sometimes confusion between nivel and grado (degree/grade). While they can be synonymous in some abstract contexts, they are not always interchangeable. For example, you talk about the temperature in grados, not niveles. You also talk about a school grade as un grado, not un nivel, although you can talk about the academic level (el nivel académico). Another subtle mistake is overusing the phrase a nivel de. While it is a perfectly good phrase, some native speakers and grammarians consider its overuse in place of simpler prepositions to be a sign of poor style or corporate jargon. For instance, instead of saying a nivel de la empresa, it is often better to simply say en la empresa.

Hablamos a nivel nacional.

Finally, learners sometimes mispronounce the word by placing the stress on the first syllable (NI-vel) instead of the second syllable (ni-VEL). In Spanish, words ending in a consonant other than n or s naturally have the stress on the final syllable. Pronouncing it correctly is crucial for being understood.

Pronunciation: Stress the second syllable: ni-VEL.

By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can refine your Spanish and speak with greater accuracy and confidence.

Su nivel es perfecto.

Review: Avoid translating floor as nivel.

Revisa tu nivel de aceite.

Expanding your vocabulary means knowing not just the primary word, but also its synonyms and when to use them. While nivel is highly versatile, there are several alternatives that might be more precise depending on the context. One of the most common alternatives is grado, which translates to degree or grade. While you can talk about a high level of satisfaction (alto nivel de satisfacción), you can also talk about a high degree of satisfaction (alto grado de satisfacción).

Tienen el mismo nivel.

However, as mentioned previously, grado is exclusively used for temperatures and academic school years. Another similar word is estándar, which translates directly to standard. If you are talking about quality control in a factory, you might use estándar instead of nivel to sound more technical.

Estándar: Use for strict quality guidelines.

For stages in a process, the words etapa (stage) or fase (phase) are excellent alternatives. Instead of saying the next level of the project, you would typically say la siguiente etapa del proyecto.

Pasamos al otro nivel.

When discussing physical heights or floors of a building, piso and planta are the correct terms, completely replacing nivel in that specific context. If you are talking about a social or professional rank, the word categoría (category) or rango (rank) might be more appropriate. For example, a high-ranking officer is un oficial de alto rango, not usually de alto nivel, although the latter would be understood. In the context of volume or intensity, such as the volume of music, the word volumen is used directly, rather than the level of volume.

Baja el nivel de la música.

Understanding these subtle distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning, which is a hallmark of an advanced speaker. While you can often rely on the primary word to get your point across, sprinkling these alternatives into your speech will make you sound much more fluent and natural.

Etapa: Use for stages in a timeline.

Always consider the specific domain you are talking about—whether it is science, business, casual conversation, or physical description—before deciding which synonym fits best.

Es un nivel superior.

Piso: The correct word for building floors.

Busca el nivel adecuado.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'level' and the Spanish word 'nivel' share the exact same Latin root, which is why they look and sound somewhat similar and have the exact same meaning.

Guide de prononciation

UK /niˈβel/

US /niˈβel/

ni-VEL

Rime avec

papel miel piel hotel pincel cartel coronel clavel

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' instead of a soft Spanish 'b'.
Placing the stress on the first syllable (NI-vel).
Making the 'l' sound too hard; it should be a soft alveolar lateral approximant.
Pronouncing the 'i' like the English 'eye' instead of 'ee'.
Adding an 'e' at the end when singular.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to similarity with English.

Écriture 2/5

Easy to spell, but remembering the plural 'niveles' takes practice.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, just remember the stress.

Écoute 1/5

Clear and distinct sound.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

alto bajo bueno malo agua

Apprends ensuite

grado estándar calidad etapa fase

Avancé

jerarquía estrato escalafón cota magnitud

Grammaire à connaître

Noun Gender

El nivel (masculine).

Pluralization of nouns ending in consonants

Nivel -> Niveles.

Adjective Agreement

Un alto nivel / Unos altos niveles.

Preposition 'de' for possession/description

Nivel de estrés.

Preposition 'a' for scope

A nivel nacional.

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Exemples par niveau

Mi nivel de español es básico.

My Spanish level is basic.

Noun used with a simple adjective.

El nivel del agua es alto.

The water level is high.

Physical measurement.

Este es el nivel uno.

This is level one.

Used with numbers.

Tengo un buen nivel.

I have a good level.

Used with the adjective buen.

El nivel es bajo.

The level is low.

Simple description.

¿Cuál es tu nivel?

What is your level?

Question format.

Me gusta este nivel.

I like this level.

Direct object.

Los niveles son fáciles.

The levels are easy.

Plural form.

El nivel de vida aquí es muy bueno.

The standard of living here is very good.

Common phrase: nivel de vida.

Necesito subir mi nivel de inglés.

I need to raise my English level.

Verb collocation: subir.

El nivel del mar está subiendo.

The sea level is rising.

Geography vocabulary.

Tiene un alto nivel de estrés.

He has a high stress level.

Abstract concept.

Bajó el nivel de la música.

He lowered the music level.

Volume context.

Estamos en el mismo nivel.

We are on the same level.

Comparison.

Es un curso de nivel intermedio.

It is an intermediate level course.

Education context.

Mantiene un nivel constante.

It maintains a constant level.

Verb collocation: mantener.

A nivel personal, no estoy de acuerdo.

On a personal level, I disagree.

Phrase: a nivel personal.

El proyecto se desarrollará a nivel nacional.

The project will be developed at the national level.

Phrase: a nivel nacional.

Debes controlar tu nivel de azúcar.

You must control your sugar level.

Medical context.

La película es de otro nivel.

The movie is next level.

Slang/Informal usage.

Alcanzó un nivel de perfección increíble.

He reached an incredible level of perfection.

Verb collocation: alcanzar.

El nivel de contaminación es preocupante.

The pollution level is worrying.

Environmental context.

Juegan a un nivel muy competitivo.

They play at a very competitive level.

Sports context.

Hubo un error a nivel de sistema.

There was a system-level error.

Technology context.

El nivel adquisitivo de la población ha disminuido.

The purchasing power of the population has decreased.

Economics vocabulary.

No está al nivel de las circunstancias.

He is not up to the level of the circumstances.

Idiomatic expression.

Se requiere un alto nivel de exigencia.

A high level of demand is required.

Academic/Professional context.

Las negociaciones se llevan a cabo a nivel diplomático.

Negotiations are carried out at a diplomatic level.

Formal context.

El nivel de audiencia superó las expectativas.

The audience level exceeded expectations.

Media context.

Es un atleta de primer nivel.

He is a top-level athlete.

Phrase: de primer nivel.

El debate se mantuvo a un nivel muy superficial.

The debate remained at a very superficial level.

Abstract description.

A nivel teórico, la idea funciona.

On a theoretical level, the idea works.

Academic phrase.

El nivel freático de la zona ha descendido drásticamente.

The water table in the area has dropped drastically.

Specialized geography term.

Se observó una diferencia con un nivel de significación del 5%.

A difference was observed with a 5% significance level.

Scientific/Statistical context.

El autor lleva la narrativa a un nivel de introspección profundo.

The author takes the narrative to a deep level of introspection.

Literary context.

Las decisiones se toman a nivel cupular.

Decisions are made at the top level.

Corporate jargon.

El nivel de sofisticación del malware es alarmante.

The sophistication level of the malware is alarming.

Advanced technology context.

Su discurso carecía del nivel intelectual esperado.

His speech lacked the expected intellectual level.

Formal critique.

A nivel pragmático, la solución es inviable.

On a pragmatic level, the solution is unfeasible.

Advanced transition phrase.

El nivel de acatamiento de la huelga fue total.

The level of compliance with the strike was total.

Journalistic vocabulary.

La obra trasciende el mero nivel estético para adentrarse en lo ontológico.

The work transcends the mere aesthetic level to delve into the ontological.

Highly philosophical context.

El nivel de escrutinio público al que fue sometido no tiene precedentes.

The level of public scrutiny he was subjected to is unprecedented.

Advanced journalistic prose.

Se ha producido una nivelación a la baja en el nivel educativo.

There has been a downward leveling in the educational standard.

Complex social commentary.

El virtuosismo del pianista raya en un nivel casi sobrehumano.

The pianist's virtuosity borders on an almost superhuman level.

Expressive literary description.

A nivel sintáctico, la oración presenta una ambigüedad deliberada.

At a syntactic level, the sentence presents a deliberate ambiguity.

Linguistic analysis.

El nivel de virulencia del debate político ha erosionado las instituciones.

The virulence level of the political debate has eroded institutions.

Advanced political analysis.

Operan a un nivel de clandestinidad indetectable para las autoridades.

They operate at a level of clandestinity undetectable by authorities.

Complex narrative description.

El nivel de detalle en la filigrana denota una maestría inigualable.

The level of detail in the filigree denotes unparalleled mastery.

Art history context.

Collocations courantes

alto nivel

bajo nivel

nivel de vida

nivel del mar

a nivel de

subir de nivel

primer nivel

nivel de estrés

nivel académico

al mismo nivel

Phrases Courantes

A nivel nacional

— At the national level. Used to describe the scope of an event or policy.

La ley se aplica a nivel nacional.

Estar al nivel

— To be up to the standard. Used to evaluate performance.

El equipo no estuvo al nivel esperado.

De otro nivel

— Next level or amazing. Used informally to praise something.

Esa hamburguesa es de otro nivel.

Nivel adquisitivo

— Purchasing power. Used in economics.

El nivel adquisitivo ha bajado.

A nivel personal

— On a personal level. Used to express a personal opinion.

A nivel personal, me gusta mucho.

Nivel de azúcar

— Blood sugar level. Used in medical contexts.

Revisa tu nivel de azúcar.

Nivel de detalle

— Level of detail. Used to describe thoroughness.

El nivel de detalle es impresionante.

Nivel de exigencia

— Level of demand or strictness. Used in education or work.

El nivel de exigencia es muy alto.

Bajar el nivel

— To lower the standard. Used when quality drops.

No podemos bajar el nivel ahora.

Nivel freático

— Water table. Used in geography and construction.

El nivel freático está muy cerca de la superficie.

Souvent confondu avec

nivel vs piso

'Piso' is used for the floors of a building. 'Nivel' is rarely used this way in Spanish.

nivel vs grado

'Grado' is used for temperature and school years. 'Nivel' is not.

nivel vs tasa

'Tasa' means rate (like interest rate). 'Nivel' means level.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Estar a la altura del nivel"

— To meet the required standard.

Espero estar a la altura del nivel del curso.

Neutral

"Jugar a otro nivel"

— To perform exceptionally well, far above others.

Ese jugador juega a otro nivel.

Informal

"Nivelar por lo bajo"

— To lower standards so everyone can pass or succeed.

El sistema educativo está nivelando por lo bajo.

Formal

"Estar a nivel de calle"

— To be at street level, often used literally or metaphorically for accessibility.

La tienda está a nivel de calle.

Neutral

"Pasar al siguiente nivel"

— To take things to the next step, often in relationships or projects.

Nuestra relación pasó al siguiente nivel.

Informal

"Mantener el nivel"

— To keep up the good work.

Es difícil mantener el nivel todo el año.

Neutral

"Dar el nivel"

— To be good enough for a specific task.

No creo que dé el nivel para este trabajo.

Informal

"A nivel de cancha"

— At field level, used in sports broadcasting.

Tenemos un reportero a nivel de cancha.

Neutral

"Nivel Dios"

— God tier or incredibly high level. Used in internet slang.

Esa jugada fue nivel Dios.

Slang

"A todo nivel"

— At every level or in every aspect.

El proyecto fue un éxito a todo nivel.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

nivel vs piso

Both can translate to 'level' in English (e.g., the second level of the mall).

Use 'piso' for physical floors of a building. Use 'nivel' for abstract levels or fluid levels.

Vivo en el segundo piso. El nivel del agua subió.

nivel vs grado

Both relate to scales or measurements.

'Grado' is specific to temperature, angles, and academic school years. 'Nivel' is for proficiency, height, and abstract standards.

Hace 30 grados. Mi nivel de inglés es alto.

nivel vs estándar

Both mean 'standard'.

'Estándar' is more technical, referring to a specific rule or norm. 'Nivel' is more general.

El estándar de la industria. El nivel de calidad.

nivel vs etapa

Both can mean a stage in a process.

'Etapa' implies a chronological phase in time. 'Nivel' implies a step up in difficulty or hierarchy.

La primera etapa del viaje. El primer nivel del juego.

nivel vs tasa

Both are used in statistics.

'Tasa' is a rate or ratio over time (like unemployment rate). 'Nivel' is an absolute measurement at a point in time.

La tasa de interés. El nivel de desempleo.

Structures de phrases

Mi nivel es [adjective].

Mi nivel es básico.

El nivel de [noun] es [adjective].

El nivel de agua es alto.

A nivel [adjective], [sentence].

A nivel nacional, hay problemas.

Estar al nivel de [noun].

No está al nivel de los demás.

Alcanzar un nivel de [noun].

Alcanzó un nivel de maestría.

Trascender el nivel [adjective].

Trasciende el nivel puramente estético.

Subir de nivel.

Quiero subir de nivel.

Mantener un buen nivel.

Debemos mantener un buen nivel.

Famille de mots

Noms

nivelación

desnivel

nivelador

Verbes

nivelar

desnivelar

Adjectifs

nivelado

desnivelado

Apparenté

grado

estándar

fase

etapa

altura

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Top 1000 most common words in Spanish.

Erreurs courantes

La nivel → El nivel
'Nivel' is a masculine noun. Words ending in 'l' are often masculine in Spanish.
El segundo nivel del edificio → El segundo piso del edificio
In Spanish, 'piso' or 'planta' is used for building floors, not 'nivel'.
Nivels → Niveles
Nouns ending in a consonant form their plural by adding '-es'.
Nivel para estrés → Nivel de estrés
The preposition 'de' is used to link 'nivel' with the noun it describes.
Hace un nivel de 30 → Hace 30 grados
Temperature is measured in 'grados' (degrees), not 'niveles'.

Astuces

Always Masculine

Never forget that 'nivel' is masculine. Practice saying 'el nivel alto' to reinforce the gender and adjective agreement.

Stress the End

The word ends in 'l', so the natural stress falls on the last syllable. Say ni-VEL, not NI-vel.

Gaming Vocab

If you play video games in Spanish, change the language settings. You will see 'nivel' constantly, which helps with memorization.

Not for Floors

When you enter an elevator, look for 'piso', not 'nivel'. This is a classic English-speaker mistake.

Sound Native

Drop the phrase 'es de otro nivel' when a friend shows you something cool. They will be impressed by your natural slang.

Plural Form

Remember to add '-es' for the plural: 'niveles'. Don't just add an 's'.

News Context

Watch Spanish news for 10 minutes. You are almost guaranteed to hear 'nivel' used when they discuss the economy or weather.

Professional Writing

Use 'a nivel de' in your essays to sound more academic, e.g., 'a nivel de la sociedad'.

Medical Terms

Learn 'nivel de azúcar' (blood sugar level) and 'nivel de colesterol'. They are very useful for doctor visits.

Verb Pairings

Memorize it with verbs: 'subir el nivel' (raise the level) and 'bajar el nivel' (lower the level).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'LEVEL' that has a 'N' at the front: N-LEVEL -> NIVEL.

Association visuelle

Imagine a carpenter's level tool with the word NIVEL written across the glass bubble tube.

Word Web

altura grado juego estándar agua idioma subir bajar

Défi

Look at three things around you and describe their 'nivel' (e.g., el nivel de agua en mi vaso, mi nivel de energía, el nivel de volumen).

Origine du mot

The word 'nivel' comes from the Old French word 'nivel' (modern French 'niveau'). The French word evolved from the Vulgar Latin '*libellus', which was a diminutive form of the Latin word 'libra', meaning a balance or scale.

Sens originel : Originally referred to a tool used by builders to ensure a surface was perfectly horizontal.

Romance (Latin origin).

Contexte culturel

No specific cultural sensitivities associated with this word.

English speakers often say 'floor' for building levels, but in Spanish, 'nivel' is rarely used for floors; use 'piso' instead.

The song 'A Otro Nivel' by various Latin artists. The Colombian reality TV show 'A Otro Nivel'. Common usage in Spanish translations of popular video games like Mario or Minecraft.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Language Learning

nivel básico
nivel intermedio
nivel avanzado
prueba de nivel

Video Games

subir de nivel
pasar de nivel
nivel oculto
nivel de dificultad

Business

a nivel ejecutivo
nivel de calidad
alto nivel
nivel de ventas

Geography/Environment

nivel del mar
nivel del agua
nivel freático
nivel de contaminación

Health

nivel de estrés
nivel de azúcar
nivel de colesterol
nivel de energía

Amorces de conversation

"¿Cuál es tu nivel de español actualmente?"

"¿Crees que el nivel de vida en tu ciudad es bueno?"

"¿Qué nivel alcanzaste en ese videojuego?"

"¿Cómo manejas un alto nivel de estrés en el trabajo?"

"¿Te parece que la película estuvo al nivel del libro?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre cómo planeas mejorar tu nivel de español este año.

Describe el nivel de vida en la ciudad donde creciste.

Cuenta una historia sobre una vez que tuviste que demostrar tu nivel en un deporte o habilidad.

¿Qué significa para ti tener un alto nivel de éxito?

Escribe sobre un videojuego y describe tu nivel favorito.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is strictly masculine. You must say 'el nivel', 'un nivel', 'los niveles'. Never use feminine articles with it.

Because it ends in a consonant, you add '-es' to the end. The plural is 'niveles'.

No, that sounds unnatural in Spanish. You should use the word 'piso' or 'planta' for the floors of a building.

It is a popular slang phrase that means 'next level' or 'amazing'. You use it to describe something of exceptionally high quality.

You almost always use 'de'. For example, 'nivel de estrés' (stress level). Using 'para' is usually incorrect in this context.

Pronounce it with the stress on the second syllable: ni-VEL. The 'v' sounds like a soft 'b'.

Yes, very frequently. Gamers say 'pasar de nivel' (to pass a level) or 'subir de nivel' (to level up).

Use 'grado' for temperatures and school grades. Use 'nivel' for language proficiency, water height, and abstract standards.

The noun itself cannot, but it has a related verb form: 'nivelar', which means to level or to flatten.

It means 'at the national level'. It is a very common phrase used in news and business to describe the scope of something.

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