alza
“alza” means “rise” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
rise
Also: lift
📝 In Action
El alza de los precios de la gasolina preocupa a los conductores.
B1The rise in gas prices worries drivers.
Las acciones de la empresa están en alza esta semana.
B2The company's stocks are on the rise this week.
El zapatero le puso un alza en el zapato derecho para corregir su postura.
C1The shoemaker put a lift in his right shoe to correct his posture.
lifts / raises
Also: lift! / raise!
📝 In Action
Ella siempre alza la mano para participar en clase.
A2She always raises her hand to participate in class.
¡Alza la voz, que no te oigo!
B1Speak up (raise your voice), I can't hear you!
El viento alza las hojas secas del jardín.
B1The wind lifts the dry leaves from the garden.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: alza
Question 1 of 3
Which is the correct way to say 'the sudden rise' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'altiare,' which comes from 'altus' (meaning high or tall). It shares the same roots as the English words 'altitude' and 'exalt.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people say 'el alza' if it's a feminine word?
Spanish uses 'el' for feminine nouns that start with a stressed 'A' sound (like 'agua' or 'hacha') to make the words easier to pronounce. It doesn't change the fact that the word is still feminine.
Is 'alza' the same as 'subida'?
Mostly, yes! However, 'alza' is more common in business and financial news, while 'subida' is used for physical things like climbing a mountain or stairs.
How do I know if 'alza' is a noun or a verb when I see it?
Look at what's around it. If it follows 'el' or 'una,' it's a noun (a rise). If it follows a name or 'él/ella,' or if it's used as a command, it's a verb (he lifts / lift!).