Meaning
To implement actions or steps to address a situation or problem.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'adoptar medidas' is the phrase of choice for the 'BOE' (Boletín Oficial del Estado), the official government gazette. If a measure isn't in the BOE, it doesn't exist. In Mexican business culture, 'adoptar medidas' is used to show 'seriedad' (seriousness). It's common in press releases from major companies like Pemex or Telmex. In Argentina, due to frequent economic shifts, 'adoptar medidas' is a constant headline in newspapers like 'La Nación' regarding inflation or currency controls. In Colombia, the phrase is often associated with 'seguridad ciudadana' (public safety) and is used by local mayors (alcaldes) to announce new city rules.
Sound like a Pro
Use 'Se han adoptado medidas' in emails to sound professional without sounding aggressive.
Don't over-adopt
Don't use this for small things like 'I adopted measures to fix my sandwich.' It sounds silly.
Meaning
To implement actions or steps to address a situation or problem.
Sound like a Pro
Use 'Se han adoptado medidas' in emails to sound professional without sounding aggressive.
Don't over-adopt
Don't use this for small things like 'I adopted measures to fix my sandwich.' It sounds silly.
The 'Drastic' Combo
In news, 'adoptar medidas' is almost always followed by 'drásticas' if the situation is bad.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'adoptar'.
El mes pasado, la empresa ________ medidas para reducir el gasto de energía.
'El mes pasado' indicates the past tense (pretérito indefinido), so 'adoptó' is correct.
Selecciona la opción más natural para un contexto formal.
Ante la crisis sanitaria, el ministerio decidió...
'Adoptar medidas' is the standard formal collocation for government actions.
Empareja el tipo de medida con su contexto más probable.
Medidas...
These are common adjective-noun pairings for this phrase.
Completa el diálogo con la frase adecuada.
A: Los niveles de contaminación son altísimos. B: Sí, el alcalde tiene que ________ de inmediato.
The context of pollution requires official action.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Adoptar vs. Tomar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEl mes pasado, la empresa ________ medidas para reducir el gasto de energía.
'El mes pasado' indicates the past tense (pretérito indefinido), so 'adoptó' is correct.
Ante la crisis sanitaria, el ministerio decidió...
'Adoptar medidas' is the standard formal collocation for government actions.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common adjective-noun pairings for this phrase.
A: Los niveles de contaminación son altísimos. B: Sí, el alcalde tiene que ________ de inmediato.
The context of pollution requires official action.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, companies, schools, and even individuals can use it for serious, planned actions.
Yes, it's 100% correct and very common, just slightly less formal.
It is 'medidas'. The phrase is almost always used in the plural.
The verb 'adoptar' does, but 'adoptar medidas' specifically means taking action.
Yes, it is universal across all Spanish-speaking countries.
Usually 'para' (for/to) or 'contra' (against).
Yes, if you are being serious about a health plan: 'Adoptar medidas dietéticas'.
It's not better, just more 'corporate' sounding. Both are great for B2+.
Simply 'adoptar medidas drásticas'.
Yes, it's in the top 500 most useful formal collocations.
Related Phrases
Tomar medidas
similarTo take action/measures
Medidas cautelares
specialized formPrecautionary legal measures
Poner en marcha
builds onTo start/launch
Hacer frente a
similarTo face/confront
Pasar a la acción
similarTo take action
