alturas
/ahl-TOO-ras/
heights
When alturas refers to physical elevation, it means heights.
alturas(noun)
heights
?physical elevation
,high places
?geographical reference
skies
?poetic or exaggerated height
📝 In Action
Desde las alturas, la ciudad parecía un mapa pequeño.
A2From the heights, the city looked like a small map.
Prefiero vivir en las alturas de la montaña, donde el aire es puro.
B1I prefer to live in the high places of the mountain, where the air is pure.
El águila volaba a grandes alturas, casi invisible.
A2The eagle was flying at great heights, almost invisible.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
This word is almost always used in its plural form, 'alturas,' when referring to a general elevated area or the sense of 'heights.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Singular/Plural
Mistake: "Usar 'la altura' para referirse a un lugar alto."
Correction: 'La altura' usually means the specific measurement of height (e.g., 'What is your height?'). Use 'las alturas' when talking about high places.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'En'
Use the preposition 'en' (in/at) when describing being physically located there: 'Estamos en las alturas' (We are in the high places).
Alturas can also refer to a stage or point in development.
alturas(noun)
stage
?point in time or development
,level
?standard of quality or ability
point
?temporal reference (e.g., 'at this point')
📝 In Action
A estas alturas del partido, ya no podemos perder.
B1At this stage of the game, we can no longer lose. (Meaning: 'At this point in time...')
El nuevo gerente no está a la altura de su predecesor.
B2The new manager is not up to the standard of his predecessor. (Meaning: 'He is not at the level of...')
Pensé que ya habrías terminado a estas alturas del proyecto.
B1I thought you would have finished by this point in the project.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Phrase Usage
The temporal meaning is almost always used in the fixed phrase 'a estas alturas' (at this point in time or development). You must use the preposition 'a'.
Measuring Up
The phrase 'estar a la altura de [algo/alguien]' means to meet the required quality or ability of something or someone else.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Prepositions
Mistake: "Decir 'en estas alturas' para referirse al tiempo."
Correction: When referring to time or stage, always use the preposition 'a': 'A estas alturas' (At this point).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Disappointment
'A estas alturas' often implies slight surprise or disappointment that something hasn't happened yet: 'A estas alturas, deberías saberlo' (By now, you should know it).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: alturas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'alturas' to mean 'at this stage or point in time'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'alturas' usually plural when 'height' in English is singular?
When referring to physical high places (like mountains or the sky), Spanish prefers the plural 'las alturas.' The singular 'la altura' is usually reserved for a specific measurement (e.g., 'the height of the building').
How do I know if 'alturas' refers to time or location?
If you see the phrase 'A estas alturas' (with the preposition 'A'), it almost always refers to time or a stage of development ('By now,' or 'At this point'). If you see 'EN las alturas' (with the preposition 'EN'), it refers to a physical location ('In the high places').