cima
/SEE-mah/
summit
The most literal translation of cima is 'summit,' referring to the top of a mountain.
📝 In Action
Alcanzamos la cima de la montaña después de seis horas de caminata.
B1We reached the summit of the mountain after six hours of hiking.
Desde la cima, la vista del valle era espectacular.
B2From the peak, the view of the valley was spectacular.
El águila volaba sobre la cima de los árboles.
B1The eagle was flying over the top of the trees.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'cima' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la cima', 'una cima alta').
⭐ Usage Tips
Cima vs. Cumbre
'Cima' and 'cumbre' both mean 'summit.' 'Cumbre' is often used when the mountain is very famous or for political meetings (like a world 'summit'). 'Cima' is more general for any highest point.
Figuratively, cima can mean 'pinnacle,' representing the highest point of achievement or success.
cima(noun)
pinnacle
?highest point of success
,zenith
?highest point/period
height
?of one's career or fame
📝 In Action
Ganar el premio fue la cima de su carrera como escritor.
C1Winning the award was the pinnacle of his career as a writer.
En ese momento, la empresa estaba en la cima de su poder.
C1At that moment, the company was at the height of its power.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Prepositions
When used figuratively, 'cima' almost always needs the preposition 'de' (of) to connect it to the thing being peaked (e.g., 'la cima de la fama' — the height of fame).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cima
Question 1 of 1
¿Cuál de estas oraciones usa 'cima' en su sentido figurado?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'cima' lo mismo que 'sima'?
No. Although they sound the same in many parts of Latin America, they are opposites! 'Cima' (with a 'c') means the top or peak. 'Sima' (with an 's') means a deep pit, chasm, or abyss. Be careful with spelling and context!
¿Cómo se dice 'reaching the top' in Spanish?
You can use 'alcanzar la cima' (to reach the summit/peak) or 'llegar a la cima.' If you are talking about professional success, you might also use 'alcanzar el éxito' (to reach success).