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acantilado

ah-kahn-tee-LAH-doh/akantiˈlaðo/

“acantilado” means “cliff” in Spanish (a steep rock face, especially at the edge of the sea).

cliff

Also: precipice
NounmB1
General
A high, steep rocky cliff overlooking a blue ocean under a clear sky.

📝 In Action

Las vistas desde el acantilado son impresionantes.

A2

The views from the cliff are impressive.

Hay un camino estrecho que bordea el acantilado.

B1

There is a narrow path that goes along the edge of the cliff.

Las olas rompen con fuerza contra la base del acantilado.

B2

The waves break with force against the base of the cliff.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • precipicio (precipice)
  • despeñadero (cliff/drop-off)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • al borde del acantilado – on the edge of the cliff
  • acantilado rocoso – rocky cliff
  • vistas al acantilado – views of the cliff

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar al borde del acantilado – to be in a very dangerous or desperate situation

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "acantilado" in Spanish:

cliff→precipice→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: acantilado

Question 1 of 3

Which article should you use with 'acantilado'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
cantil(steep rock/ledge) — Noun
acantilar(to shape like a cliff) — Verb
canto(edge or stone) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the word 'cantil' (steep rock), which comes from 'canto', a very old word for 'stone' or 'edge' that existed in the Iberian peninsula before the Romans arrived.

First recorded: 18th century (in its modern coastal sense)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: despenhadeiro

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'acantilado' the same as 'barranco'?

Not exactly. An 'acantilado' is specifically a steep drop-off, usually into the sea. A 'barranco' is more like a ravine or a gully found inland, often created by water flow.

How do you say 'cliffhanger' in Spanish?

We don't use 'acantilado' for this! Instead, we say 'final en suspenso' (ending in suspense) or 'momento de gran tensión'.

Is it a common word?

Yes, especially in geography lessons, travel guides, or when describing beautiful landscapes.