Inklingo

How to Say "top" in Spanish

English → Spanish

top

/top//top/

nounA2informal
Use 'top' when referring to a sleeveless shirt, often a casual or athletic style.
A bright red sleeveless tank top hanging on a simple wooden hanger, suggesting casual clothing.

Examples

Necesito comprar un top blanco para ponérmelo con esta falda.

I need to buy a white top to wear with this skirt.

El top de encaje que llevabas ayer era muy bonito.

The lace top you were wearing yesterday was very pretty.

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.

Gender Use

Even though this word refers to an article of clothing, it is commonly used with the masculine article 'el' (el top).

Using Numbers

When referring to a specific position, 'top' is usually followed by the number (e.g., 'el top 3').

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.

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'.

máximo

adjectiveA2
Use 'máximo' when referring to the highest degree, level, or limit, such as in 'top speed' or 'top priority'.

Examples

Necesitamos alcanzar la velocidad máxima para llegar a tiempo.

We need to reach maximum speed to arrive on time.

blusa

/bloo-sah//ˈblusa/

nounA1
Use 'blusa' for a more general term for a woman's blouse or shirt, typically more formal than a 'top'.
A colorful women's blouse with buttons and a collar hanging on a wooden hanger.

Examples

Me gusta esa blusa de seda.

I like that silk blouse.

Ella compró una blusa roja para la fiesta.

She bought a red blouse for the party.

Las blusas blancas son muy elegantes.

White blouses are very elegant.

Gender Agreement

Since this word ends in 'a', it uses 'la' or 'una'. Any words describing it (like colors) must also end in 'a'. For example: 'la blusa roja'.

Blusa vs. Camisa

Mistake:Using 'blusa' for a man's button-down shirt.

Correction: In Spanish, 'blusa' is almost exclusively used for women's clothing. Use 'camisa' for men's shirts.

superficie

soo-per-FEE-see-eh/su.peɾˈfi.θje/

nounA2
Use 'superficie' to refer to the upper part or surface of an object.
A close-up view of the smooth, reflective surface of a calm pond, showing the outer layer of the water.

Examples

No toques la superficie del cristal, está caliente.

Don't touch the surface of the glass, it's hot.

El bote flotaba en la superficie del lago.

The boat floated on the surface of the lake.

La luna tiene una superficie rocosa y llena de cráteres.

The moon has a rocky surface full of craters.

Gender Alert

Even though it ends in '-ie,' 'superficie' is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' before it (la superficie).

Incorrect Gender

Mistake:El superficie es liso.

Correction: La superficie es lisa. (Remember it is feminine, 'la' and 'lisa' must match.)

top

nounB1
Use 'top' when referring to the highest position in a list, ranking, or chart.

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.

cabeza

/ka-BEH-sa//kaˈβeθa/

nounB1
Use 'cabeza' when referring to the leader or head of a group, organization, or family.
A single figure standing prominently at the front, leading a small, orderly procession of other figures.

Examples

Mi madre es la cabeza de la familia.

My mother is the head of the family.

El equipo está a la cabeza de la liga.

The team is at the top of the league.

El director es la cabeza visible de la empresa.

The director is the visible head of the company.

Clothing vs. Ranking

A frequent error is using 'top' (the English loanword) when referring to the highest position in a list. While 'top' is sometimes used in Spanish for rankings, 'el primer lugar' or 'la cima' are often more standard. Be careful not to confuse the clothing item 'top' with the ranking 'top' or the word 'cabeza' for leader.

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