top
/top/
top
The Spanish word 'top' often refers to a piece of clothing, specifically a sleeveless shirt or tank top.
📝 In Action
Necesito comprar un top blanco para ponérmelo con esta falda.
A2I need to buy a white top to wear with this skirt.
El top de encaje que llevabas ayer era muy bonito.
B1The lace top you were wearing yesterday was very pretty.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Use
Even though this word refers to an article of clothing, it is commonly used with the masculine article 'el' (el top).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "La top (using the feminine article)."
Correction: Use 'el top' instead. While clothing items can vary, 'top' is generally treated as masculine in Spanish.
⭐ Usage Tips
Fashion Context
This meaning is almost always used in fashion or casual contexts to describe the upper garment, especially one that is short or sleeveless.
'Top' can mean the highest position or rank, such as being at the peak of a list.
📝 In Action
Su nueva película está en el top de las más vistas esta semana.
B1His new movie is at the top of the most watched list this week.
España se mantiene en el top cinco de países más visitados.
B2Spain remains in the top five of most visited countries.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Numbers
When referring to a specific position, 'top' is usually followed by the number (e.g., 'el top 3').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the English Plural
Mistake: "Los tops (using the English plural 's')."
Correction: Although it is a loanword, Spanish speakers usually pluralize it by adding 's' or using the phrase 'los mejores' or 'las clasificaciones'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Media Influence
This meaning is a direct import from English media and is used exactly like 'top' in English when talking about charts (music, movies, etc.).
As an adjective, 'top' means something is of excellent or 'top-notch' quality.
top(Adjective)
top-notch
?excellent quality
,first-rate
?highest quality
superb
?very good
📝 In Action
Ese concierto estuvo top, fue el mejor de todo el festival.
B2That concert was top-notch; it was the best of the whole festival.
Contratamos a un chef top para la boda.
C1We hired a top chef for the wedding.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Invariable
When used as an adjective meaning 'excellent,' 'top' does not change form to match the noun's gender or number (e.g., 'un servicio top,' 'unas vacaciones top').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Agreement
Mistake: "Una comida topa (trying to make it feminine)."
Correction: Keep it simple: 'Una comida top.' This loanword usually resists Spanish agreement rules when used this way.
⭐ Usage Tips
Informal Emphasis
Use 'top' to emphasize that something is the absolute best, especially in casual settings with friends.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: top
Question 1 of 2
¿En qué contexto usamos 'top' cuando significa una prenda de vestir?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'top' una palabra oficial en español?
Yes, 'top' is widely accepted and used in modern Spanish, especially in media and informal speech, although it retains its English pronunciation and is considered a borrowing.
¿Debo decir 'la top' o 'el top'?
For the garment and the ranking, 'el top' (masculine) is the most common and accepted usage. When used as an adjective (meaning excellent), it is invariable and doesn't change gender.