Inklingo

How to Say "loud" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alto

/al-toh//ˈalto/

Adjective (used as an Adverb)A2General
Use 'alto' when describing the volume of music, voices, or specific noises that are at a high volume.
A person singing loudly into a microphone, with exaggerated, visible sound waves radiating outward from their mouth.

Examples

La música está muy alta.

The music is very loud.

Por favor, habla más alto, no te oigo.

Please, speak louder, I can't hear you.

Le gusta leer en voz alta.

He likes to read out loud.

A Describing Word Acting Like an Action-Modifier

In English, you'd say 'speak loudly,' using an adverb. In Spanish, you often use the adjective 'alto' instead: 'hablar alto.' It describes the how of the action. It usually stays 'alto' but can sometimes change to 'alta' if it's clearly describing a feminine thing, like 'la música está alta'.

fuerte

/FWER-teh//ˈfweɾte/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'fuerte' for sounds, music, or voices that are intense or powerful, often implying a strong impact beyond just volume.
A simple illustration of a piece of very pungent cheese causing a person nearby to scrunch up their face in reaction to the strong smell or taste.

Examples

El altavoz suena muy fuerte.

The speaker sounds very loud.

Este queso tiene un sabor muy fuerte.

This cheese has a very strong flavor.

La música está demasiado fuerte, no puedo oírte.

The music is too loud, I can't hear you.

Tengo un dolor de cabeza muy fuerte.

I have a very strong headache.

Alto vs. Fuerte for Loudness

Learners often confuse 'alto' and 'fuerte' when translating 'loud.' While both can refer to volume, 'alto' specifically targets high volume (like turning up the music), whereas 'fuerte' can also imply intensity or power, sometimes even a harshness, in a sound.

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