Spanish Conversation · Level 52
75 words
Spanish word
desnivel
Pronunciation
IPA/desniˈβel/
Meaning
- masculine nounstep
Example
Hay un desnivel entre la entrada y la sala.
There is a step between the entrance and the living room.
More examples
Ten cuidado con el desnivel en la acera.
Watch out for the step in the sidewalk.
Core concept
A local change in ground or floor height that feels like a step or a short slope.
Common phrases
el desnivel en la acera
step in the sidewalk
superar el desnivel
get over the step
Similar words
peldaño: Single built stair step that forms one level of a staircase or step.
borde: Edge or rim of a floor or ground surface where one level or material ends.
hueco: Hole or hollow in a surface that forms a dip or gap that can catch a foot.
Definition in Spanish
Cambio brusco o gradual en la altura del terreno o del suelo entre dos puntos, abarcando desde un pequeño escalón hasta una pendiente mayor.
Word origin
From des- 'not' plus nivel 'level', originally 'not level' and now used for a height difference between adjacent ground or floor points.
Usage tips
- Desnivel commonly labels either an indoor step or an outdoor short slope, while escalón specifically means a built stair step and pendiente means a long incline.
Other meanings
- unevennessnoun
Opposites
- nivellevelnoun
Related words
- nivelarlevelverb
- nivelaciónlevelingnoun
- desniveladounevenadjective