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"Mide" is a form of "medir", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to measure". "Por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by". Learn more about the difference between "mide" and "por" below.
medir(
meh
-
deer
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to measure
Tengo que medir la habitación antes de comprar los muebles.I have to measure my room before buying the furniture.
b. to gauge (pressure or temperature)
El manómetro es un aparato que sirve para medir la presión.The manometer is a device used to gauge pressure.
a. to weigh up (actions)
Él sencillamente no mide las consecuencias de sus actos.He just doesn't weigh up the consequences of his actions.
b. to weigh (words)
A partir de ahora, tendremos que medir nuestras palabras.From now on, we'll have to weigh our words.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to measure
El modelo mide tres pies de largo.The model measures three feet in length.
b. to be (height)
¿Cuánto mide de alto esa mesa?How high is that table?
Juan medía 5 pies a los quince años.Juan was 5 feet tall when he was fifteen.
c. to be (width)
El cajón mide 12 pulgadas de ancho.The drawer is 12 inches wide.
El asiento mide 90 cm de ancho.The seat is 90 cm wide.
medirse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to measure
Mídete la cintura para saber cuántos centímetros has perdido.Measure your waist to know how many centimeters you have lost.
5. (to try for size)
Regionalism used in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
(Central America)
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
(South America)
a. to try on
¿Puedo medirme este vestido?Can I try this dress on?
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
6.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(to be capable)
Regionalism used in Colombia
(Colombia)
a. to be up for
Me sorprendió que se le midió al reto.I was surprised that he was up for the challenge.
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por(
pohr
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. by
Pásate por mi casa si quieres.Come by my house if you want.
a. because of
Se retiró por problemas personales.She resigned because of personal issues.
a. for
Estaré en Madrid por Navidad.I will be in Madrid for Christmas.
a. by
Puedes seguir tu paquete por correo electrónico.You can track your parcel by e-mail.
a. through
El hilo pasa por la aguja.The thread passes through the needle.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
¿Has ido a por tu hijo a la escuela?Have you picked up your son from school?
Habrá que ir a por leche cuando lleguemos.We'll need to go out for milk when we get there.
a. times
Tres por tres son nueve.Three times three is nine.
a. per
Mi tarifa es 50 dólares por artículo.My rate is 50 dollars per article.
a. for
Te doy quince pesos por la cobija.I'll give you fifteen pesos for the blanket.
a. for
Yo terminaré el trabajo por ti cuando estés de vacaciones.I'll finish the job for you while you're on vacation.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
b. about to
Mi papá está por llegar.My dad's about to arrive.
a. by
¿Ese cuadro fue pintado por Elena o Rosa?Was that painting done by Elena or Rosa?
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