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How to Say "heights" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alturas

ahl-TOO-ras/alˈtuɾas/

nounA2general
Use 'alturas' when referring to physical elevation, like looking down from a mountain or a tall building, or the general concept of being high up in the atmosphere.
A colorful illustration of a sharp mountain peak dramatically rising into a bright blue sky, emphasizing extreme elevation and distance from the ground.

Examples

Desde las alturas, la ciudad parecía un mapa pequeño.

From the heights, the city looked like a small map.

Prefiero vivir en las alturas de la montaña, donde el aire es puro.

I prefer to live in the high places of the mountain, where the air is pure.

El águila volaba a grandes alturas, casi invisible.

The eagle was flying at great heights, almost invisible.

Always Plural

This word is almost always used in its plural form, 'alturas,' when referring to a general elevated area or the sense of 'heights.'

Confusing Singular/Plural

Mistake: “Usar 'la altura' para referirse a un lugar alto.”

Correction: 'La altura' usually means the specific measurement of height (e.g., 'What is your height?'). Use 'las alturas' when talking about high places.

altos

/AL-tohs//ˈaltos/

nounB1general
Use 'altos' to refer to the upper parts or floors of a building, or a higher-level area within a more general geographic or abstract context.
The exterior view of a simple four-story apartment building, focusing on the distinct upper two floors.

Examples

Mis tíos viven en los altos de la casa de mi abuela.

My aunt and uncle live in the upper floors (or upstairs apartment) of my grandmother's house.

Desde estos altos se puede ver toda la ciudad.

From these heights, you can see the whole city.

Always Plural

When used as a noun meaning 'upper floors' or 'heights,' it almost always stays in the plural form, 'los altos.'

Physical Elevation vs. Building Levels

The most common mistake is using 'altos' when you mean a general physical height or looking down from a high place (like a mountain). Remember that 'alturas' is the better choice for describing views from high elevations, while 'altos' is typically for parts of a building.

Related Translations

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