ancho
/ˈant͡ʃo/
The Spanish word ancho means wide.
The word is used to describe the width of objects, such as a street or a table.
Which one should you use?
In the context of physical dimensions, ancho is contrasted with largo (long).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term Apaisado is used to refer to something wide or horizontal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes to agree with the nouns it describes: use ancha for feminine nouns, anchos for masculine plural nouns and anchas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈantʃo/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, ancho refers to a specific type of large, dried poblano pepper known as the chile ancho.
- In certain Spanish-speaking contexts, ancho can be used figuratively to describe someone who feels smug or self-satisfied, as if they are taking up more space than usual.
- The Spanish word ancho is a direct linguistic cousin to the English word 'ample'. Both words share a common ancestor that implies something large or full.
Examples in context
- El río es amplioThe river is wide
- El campo es extensoThe field is wide
- La playa es vastaThe beach is wide
- Este sofá es muy ancho.This sofa is very wide.
- El camino es demasiado ancho para este coche.The path is too wide for this car.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are looking at a new rug for the living room.
- Mateo¿Es este modelo lo suficientemente ancho?Is this model wide enough?
- LucíaNo, me parece un poco estrecho.No, it seems a bit narrow to me.
- MateoTienes razón, busquemos uno más ancho.You are right, let's look for a wider one.
- LucíaEsa es una buena idea, Mateo.That is a good idea, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ancho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ancho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
