How to Say "peak" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “peak” is “pico” — use 'pico' specifically when referring to the summit or top of a mountain..
pico
/PEE-koh//ˈpiko/
Examples
Llegamos al pico de la montaña después de tres horas.
We reached the peak of the mountain after three hours.
El lápiz necesita punta; se le rompió el pico.
The pencil needs sharpening; its tip broke off.
cima
SEE-mah/ˈθi.ma/
Examples
Alcanzamos la cima de la montaña después de seis horas de caminata.
We reached the summit of the mountain after six hours of hiking.
Desde la cima, la vista del valle era espectacular.
From the peak, the view of the valley was spectacular.
El águila volaba sobre la cima de los árboles.
The eagle was flying over the top of the trees.
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').
máximo
Examples
El termómetro registró un máximo de 40 grados ayer.
The thermometer registered a maximum of 40 degrees yesterday.
top
/top//top/
Examples
Su nueva película está en el top de las más vistas esta semana.
His new movie is at the top of the most watched list this week.
España se mantiene en el top cinco de países más visitados.
Spain remains in the top five of most visited countries.
Using Numbers
When referring to a specific position, 'top' is usually followed by the number (e.g., 'el top 3').
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'.
flor
/flor//floɾ/
Examples
Estaba en la flor de su juventud cuando se hizo famoso.
He was in the prime of his youth when he became famous.
Esa novela representa la flor de la literatura de esa época.
That novel represents the cream of the literature of that era.
Fixed Phrase
This meaning is almost always found in the phrase 'la flor de...' (the prime of...), linking the concept to a time period or a group.
punta
/POON-tah//ˈpunta/
Examples
El tráfico es terrible en hora punta.
Traffic is terrible during rush hour.
Los precios están en punta durante el verano.
Prices are at their peak during the summer.
The 'Rush Hour' Phrase
When talking about rush hour, Spanish uses the phrase 'hora punta' (literally 'point hour'), which is the most common use of this meaning.
Mountain Peaks vs. General High Points
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