Acción vs. medida
The Spanish words 'acción' and 'medida' can both loosely translate as 'action' in English. However, they hold different connotations and are used in various distinct contexts.
Acción
'Acción' refers to an act or deed that is done, usually directly involving a person or party. It symbolizes the process of doing something actively.
Ella llevó a cabo una acción valiente para salvar al niño.
(She carried out a brave action to save the child.)
La acción de reciclar puede ayudar a salvar el medio ambiente.
(The action of recycling can help save the environment.)
Su rápida acción evitó que la situación empeorara.
(His quick action prevented the situation from getting worse.)
Medida
'Medida' often refers to a strategy or regulation that is implemented or imposed, more often by an authority figure or body. It often has an administrative connotation.
El gobierno tomó medidas para controlar la inflación.
(The government took measures to control inflation.)
La medida de limitar la velocidad en las carreteras ha reducido los accidentes.
(The measure of limiting speed on roads has reduced accidents.)
Debemos adoptar medidas eficientes de ahorro de agua.
(We should adopt efficient water-saving measures.)
Summary
'Acción' and 'medida' do share some similarities but are different in their usage. While 'Acción' is related more to an individual's deed, 'medida' generally refers to measures, strategies, or regulations imposed for a larger benefit.