What is the difference between "detiene", "estaciones", "impide", "altos" in Spanish?

The English word 'stops' has several Spanish translations, each used in different contexts. Understanding these nuances is key to speaking accurately, whether you're referring to a physical location, the act of halting movement, or preventing something from happening.

How to Say "stops" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “stops” is “detiene” — use this when referring to the action of making something or someone cease moving or functioning, like a driver stopping a vehicle..

detiene🔊A2

Use this when referring to the action of making something or someone cease moving or functioning, like a driver stopping a vehicle.

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estaciones🔊A2

This is the correct term for designated places where public transport vehicles like buses or trains pause for passengers.

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impide🔊B1

Choose this word when 'stops' means to prevent or hinder an action, process, or progress, acting like a barrier.

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altos🔊B1

Use this rare term to refer to the upper floors or an upstairs apartment within a larger building.

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English → Spanish

detiene

/de-TYEH-neh//deˈtjene/

verbA2

Use this when referring to the action of making something or someone cease moving or functioning, like a driver stopping a vehicle.

A red ball rolling quickly on a green grassy hill is halted completely by a short, brown wooden barrier.

Examples

El policía detiene al coche que se pasó el semáforo.

The police officer stops the car that ran the red light.

El conductor detiene el autobús en la parada.

The driver stops the bus at the stop.

Ella detiene el tiempo cuando sonríe.

She stops time when she smiles. (Figurative)

¿Por qué se detiene el coche de repente?

Why does the car suddenly stop itself?

Irregular Verb Pattern

The verb 'detener' follows the pattern of 'tener' (to have). Notice how the 'yo' form is 'detengo' and the past tense (preterite) is highly irregular ('detuvo').

Confusing Transitive and Reflexive

Mistake: “El tren detiene (The train stops, meaning it stops something else).”

Correction: Use the reflexive form 'se detiene' when the subject is stopping itself: 'El tren se detiene' (The train stops).

See full entry for “detiene” →

estaciones

/es-tah-SYOH-nes//estaˈsjo.nes/

nounA2

This is the correct term for designated places where public transport vehicles like buses or trains pause for passengers.

A simple illustration of a train platform. A large blue train is stopped at the platform, ready for passengers.

Examples

Me bajé en la próxima estación para comprar un periódico.

I got off at the next station to buy a newspaper.

Todas las estaciones de metro estaban muy concurridas hoy.

All the metro stations were very crowded today.

Hay varias estaciones de servicio nuevas en la carretera.

There are several new service stations (gas stations) on the highway.

Visitamos las antiguas estaciones de tren abandonadas.

We visited the old abandoned train stations.

Compound Noun Structure

When 'estaciones' is used to define a type of station (like 'train station'), the structure is 'estación de' + the item: 'estación de tren'.

Confusing 'Estación' and 'Parada'

Mistake: “Using 'estación' for a small bus stop.”

Correction: Use 'parada de autobús' for a simple stop and 'estación' only for a major hub or terminal.

See full entry for “estaciones” →

impide

/im-PEE-deh//imˈpiðe/

verbB1

Choose this word when 'stops' means to prevent or hinder an action, process, or progress, acting like a barrier.

A large, fallen tree trunk blocking a path in a colorful forest.

Examples

La lluvia impide que juguemos al fútbol hoy.

The rain stops us from playing soccer today.

El tráfico impide que lleguemos a tiempo.

The traffic prevents us from arriving on time.

Su lesión le impide jugar el partido.

His injury stops him from playing the game.

¡Impide que se cierre la puerta!

Stop the door from closing!

The 'E to I' Change

This word comes from the verb 'impedir.' In many forms, the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' when you stress that part of the word.

Talking about people

When 'impide' stops a person from doing something, we often use the word 'que' followed by a special 'wish/possibility' verb form (e.g., 'impide que yo vaya').

Adding 'from'

Mistake: “Using 'impide de' to mean 'prevents from'.”

Correction: Just say 'impide' followed by the action. Use 'impide salir' instead of 'impide de salir'.

See full entry for “impide” →

altos

/AL-tohs//ˈaltos/

nounB1informal

Use this rare term to refer to the upper floors or an upstairs apartment within a larger building.

The exterior view of a simple four-story apartment building, focusing on the distinct upper two floors.

Examples

Mis abuelos viven en los altos de la casa de mis padres.

My grandparents live in the upstairs apartment of my parents' house.

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.'

See full entry for “altos” →

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

Learners often confuse the verb 'detiene' (stops movement) with the noun 'estaciones' (bus/train stops). Remember, 'detiene' describes the action of stopping, while 'estaciones' refers to the physical place where stopping occurs for public transport.

Related Translations

arrests→bases→captures→checks→detains→halts→hampers→heights→

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