ancho
/ˈant͡ʃo/
The Spanish word for broad is ancho.
The word ancho is used to describe something having a specified width or being broad. Depending on the context, it can be used to mean both 'wide' and 'broad'.
Meaning: having a specified width (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ancho refers to physical width, it is distinct from amplio, which refers to spaciousness or a broad range of topics.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, ancho must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use ancha for feminine singular nouns, anchos for masculine plural nouns and anchas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈantʃo/
Did you know?
- The word ancho is used to name a specific type of mild chili pepper, the chile ancho, which is a dried poblano pepper.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the expression quedar ancho can be used to describe someone who feels overly comfortable or smug in a situation.
- While ancho describes width, the word ancha is used in the common idiom dar manga ancha to describe someone who is lenient or permissive.
Examples in context
- Él tiene hombros anchos.He has broad shoulders.This sentence shows how to use ancho when describing shoulders.Tatoeba #2311774 by marcelostockle, translation #296000 by CK
- La avenida principal es muy amplia y espaciosa.The main avenue is very broad and spacious.
- Tenemos un amplio conocimiento de la historia del arte.We have a broad knowledge of art history.
- El propósito del proyecto es ofrecer una visión amplia del tema.The purpose of the project is to provide a broad view of the topic.
- La habitación es amplia, podemos poner otro mueble.The room is broad, we can put another piece of furniture.
- Tengo una gama amplia de intereses musicales.I have a broad range of musical interests.
- Las calles son amplias en esta ciudad.The streets are broad in this city.
- la calle es anchaThe street is wide
- El camino es muy ancho.The road is very wide.
- Necesitamos un mueble más ancho.We need a wider piece of furniture.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are measuring a table for their new house.
- Mateo¿Es este pasillo lo suficientemente ancho?Is this hallway wide enough?
- LucíaSí, es bastante ancho para la mesa.Yes, it is quite wide for the table.
- MateoPerfecto, entonces la mesa cabe bien.Perfect, then the table will fit well.
- LucíaMe alegra que lo hayamos medido.I am glad we measured it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ancho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
