máximo
/MAH-ksee-moh/
maximum
This glass holds the máximo amount of liquid possible; it is filled to the highest degree.
máximo(adjective)
maximum
?highest possible amount or degree
,greatest
?highest in quality or importance
top
?as in top speed or top priority
,utmost
?highest degree of effort or care
📝 In Action
Necesitamos alcanzar la velocidad máxima para llegar a tiempo.
A2We need to reach maximum speed to arrive on time.
El director tiene la máxima autoridad en la empresa.
B1The director has the greatest authority in the company.
El precio máximo por esta entrada es cincuenta euros.
A2The maximum price for this ticket is fifty euros.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Remember that 'máximo' must match the noun it describes. Use 'máximo' for masculine nouns (el esfuerzo máximo) and 'máxima' for feminine nouns (la máxima calidad).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Máximo/a
Mistake: "La máximo velocidad."
Correction: La máxima velocidad. (Since 'velocidad' is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasis
Using 'máximo' often adds emphasis, similar to saying 'the very greatest' or 'the absolute limit' in English.
The summit represents the máximo, or the highest point or limit that can be reached.
máximo(noun)
maximum
?the highest point or limit
,peak
?highest recorded value
limit
?the highest allowable point
📝 In Action
El termómetro registró un máximo de 40 grados ayer.
B1The thermometer registered a maximum of 40 degrees yesterday.
Todos dieron el máximo en el partido final.
B2Everyone gave their maximum (their all) in the final game.
Llegamos al máximo de nuestra capacidad de almacenamiento.
B1We reached the maximum of our storage capacity.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Noun
When used as a noun, 'máximo' is always masculine ('el máximo') and refers to the highest limit itself, not just describing another word.
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Phrase: 'Al Máximo'
The phrase 'al máximo' is very common and means 'to the fullest' or 'at full blast,' often describing how an activity is done: 'Trabajamos al máximo' (We worked to the max).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: máximo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'máximo' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'máximo' have a feminine form?
Yes! As an adjective, it changes to match the noun it describes. Use 'máximo' for masculine words (el precio máximo) and 'máxima' for feminine words (la máxima velocidad).
¿Qué significa 'dar el máximo'?
This common phrase means 'to give your maximum effort' or 'to give your all.' It implies working as hard as possible.