Inklingo
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ancho

/AHN-cho/

wide

A very wide, paved road stretching across a flat landscape toward the horizon.

A wide road illustrating the physical distance of 'ancho'.

ancho(adjective)

mA1

wide

?

physical distance

Also:

broad

?

shoulders or paths

📝 In Action

La calle es muy ancha y tiene muchos árboles.

A1

The street is very wide and has many trees.

El río es más ancho en esta parte.

A2

The river is wider in this part.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • espacioso (spacious)

Antonyms

  • estrecho (narrow)

Common Collocations

  • hombros anchos – broad shoulders
  • vía ancha – wide track

💡 Grammar Points

Matching the word to what you describe

Remember to change the 'o' to 'a' if the thing you are describing is feminine (e.g., 'una mesa ancha').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Don't confuse with 'large'

Mistake: "Using 'ancho' to mean 'big' in general."

Correction: Use 'grande' for big; use 'ancho' specifically for the distance from side to side.

A small child wearing an oversized, baggy sweater that is much too large for them.

Loose-fitting clothing, another meaning of 'ancho'.

ancho(adjective)

mA2

loose

?

clothing fit

Also:

baggy

?

oversized style

📝 In Action

Me gusta llevar pantalones anchos en verano.

A2

I like wearing loose pants in the summer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • holgado (loose-fitting)

Antonyms

  • ajustado (tight)
  • apretado (tight/squeezed)

⭐ Usage Tips

Fashion Tip

In many Spanish-speaking countries, people use 'ancho' to describe the 'boyfriend' or 'oversized' style of clothing.

A wide wooden bridge crossing a small blue stream.

The width of a bridge representing the measurement 'ancho'.

ancho(noun)

mA2

width

?

measurement

Also:

breadth

?

measurement

📝 In Action

¿Cuál es el ancho de la puerta?

A2

What is the width of the door?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • anchura (width)

Common Collocations

  • de ancho – wide (in measurements, like '2 meters wide')
A person standing tall with their chest out and a satisfied smile on their face.

Feeling proud and satisfied, a figurative use of 'ancho'.

ancho(adjective)

mB2

proud

?

feeling satisfied with oneself

Also:

unbothered

?

acting as if nothing happened

📝 In Action

Le dijo que no pensaba volver y se quedó tan ancho.

B2

He told her he wasn't planning to return and acted completely unbothered.

Word Connections

Idioms & Expressions

  • quedarse tan ancho – to be very pleased with oneself or to remain completely unruffled after doing something bold
  • a mis anchas – to do something exactly how I want, in total comfort

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: ancho

Question 1 of 2

If you buy a shirt that is too big and fits loosely, you would say it is:

📚 More Resources

Word Family

anchura(width) - noun
ensanchar(to widen) - verb
anchuroso(very spacious) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'ancho' always change to 'ancha' for feminine nouns?

Yes! If you are describing a feminine noun like 'mesa' (table) or 'calle' (street), you must use 'ancha'.

What is the difference between 'ancho' and 'anchura'?

'Ancho' is usually an adjective (wide), while 'anchura' is the noun (the width). However, in measurements, 'ancho' can also be used as a noun.