altura
/ahl-TOO-rah/
height
Illustrating altura as a physical measurement (height).
altura(noun)
height
?physical measurement
,altitude
?distance above sea level
stature
?height of a person
📝 In Action
La altura de la montaña es de 5000 metros.
A1The mountain's height (or altitude) is 5,000 meters.
¿Cuál es tu altura? Eres muy alto.
A2What is your height? You are very tall.
El avión volaba a gran altura.
A1The plane was flying at great altitude.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Since 'altura' ends in '-a' and uses 'la', remember it is always treated as a feminine word.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Altitude and Depth
Mistake: "Usar 'altura' para hablar de cuán profundo es un agujero."
Correction: Use 'profundidad' (depth) for things going down, and 'altura' for things going up.
Illustrating altura as a position or degree (level).
altura(noun)
level
?position or degree
,point
?stage or moment in time
opposite
?when used with 'a la altura de' meaning 'across from'
📝 In Action
A esta altura del partido, ya no podemos ganar.
B1At this point/stage of the game, we can no longer win.
El coche se detuvo a la altura del semáforo.
B2The car stopped level with (or opposite) the traffic light.
💡 Grammar Points
Positional Use
When you use 'a la altura de' (at the height of), it describes something being directly across from or on the same plane as another object.
Illustrating altura as a required standard or level of quality.
altura(noun)
standard
?required level of quality
,stature
?figurative importance or quality
caliber
?level of excellence
📝 In Action
Esperamos que estés a la altura del desafío.
B2We hope you are up to the standard of the challenge (or, up to the task).
El restaurante tiene una cocina de gran altura.
C1The restaurant has cuisine of high standard/quality.
💡 Grammar Points
Idiomatic Use
When talking about quality, 'altura' is almost always paired with the verb 'estar' (to be) in the phrase 'estar a la altura de' (to be up to the standard of).
⭐ Usage Tips
Professional Language
Use 'estar a la altura' when discussing job performance, project success, or professional capability.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: altura
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'altura' in the figurative sense of 'being up to a standard'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'altura' and 'estatura'?
Yes, but it's subtle! 'Altura' is the general word for height (of a building, a mountain, or a person). 'Estatura' is used specifically and almost exclusively for the height of a human or animal (stature). Both are correct when talking about people, but 'altura' is more versatile.
How do I say 'at this point in time' using 'altura'?
You would use the phrase 'a esta altura'. For example: 'A esta altura del mes, ya gasté todo mi dinero' (At this point in the month, I already spent all my money).