How to Say "wide" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “wide” is “amplio” — use 'amplio' when referring to the spaciousness or scope of a physical area, like a room or a garden.
amplio
am-plyohˈampljo
Examples
Vivimos en un apartamento muy amplio.
We live in a very spacious apartment.
El jardín es lo suficientemente amplio para jugar al fútbol.
The garden is wide enough to play soccer.
Hay un pasillo amplio que conecta todas las habitaciones.
There is a wide hallway that connects all the rooms.
Matching the Word It Describes
This word must change to match the thing it describes. Use 'amplio' for masculine items (un salón amplio) and 'amplia' for feminine items (una casa amplia).
Where to Put the Word
Usually, you place 'amplio' after the thing you are describing. If you put it before (e.g., 'un amplio salón'), it sounds a bit more formal or fancy.
Using 'Grande' instead of 'Amplio'
Mistake: “La habitación es muy grande.”
Correction: La habitación es muy amplia.
ancho
AHN-choˈantʃo
Examples
La calle es muy ancha y tiene muchos árboles.
The street is very wide and has many trees.
El río es más ancho en esta parte.
The river is wider in this part.
Matching the word to what you describe
Remember to change the 'o' to 'a' if the thing you are describing is feminine (e.g., 'una mesa ancha').
Don't confuse with 'large'
Mistake: “Using 'ancho' to mean 'big' in general.”
Correction: Use 'grande' for big; use 'ancho' specifically for the distance from side to side.
vasto
BAHS-tohˈbasto
Examples
La profesora tiene un vasto conocimiento de la cultura maya.
The professor has a vast knowledge of Mayan culture.
Hay una vasta gama de colores en esta pintura.
There is a wide range of colors in this painting.
Su experiencia laboral es muy vasta.
His work experience is very extensive.
Using 'vasto' for information
When describing mental things like 'knowledge' or 'experience', 'vasto' suggests the person knows almost everything about a topic.
Amplio vs. Ancho
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