Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| altura | /alˈtuɾa/ | feminine |
| altor | /altoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| alteza | /alˈteθa/ /alˈtesa/ |
feminine |
The term refers to the distance from the bottom to the top of an object or person. To describe someone's height, you can use the verb medir (to measure) or the phrase tener una estatura de (to have a height of). You can also use non-specific expressions such as Es bastante alto/a (He/she is quite tall), Es más bien bajo/a (He/she is rather short) or Es de estatura media (He/she is of average height).
Which one should you use?
While altura is the standard term for physical measurement, alteza is used as a formal title of respect for royalty, meaning "highness" (e.g., "Your Highness").
Is it said differently in some regions?
In regions such as Argentina and Uruguay, the informal ¿Cuánto medís? is prevalent. In Argentina, you may also hear the informal phrase ¿Cuántos metros tenés? to ask about height. In Mexico, the casual term chaparro is used to describe someone who is short in stature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun altura is feminine and is preceded by feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈtuɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using altor. It is a non-existent word or a common error. The correct noun for physical height is altura.
Did you know?
- In Argentina, you might hear someone ask ¿Cuántos metros tenés? to ask about height, which literally translates to 'How many meters do you have?'
- While you might think of a person's height as their 'altura', Spanish speakers often prefer to use the word estatura when specifically discussing a person's physical stature.
- The word alteza shares a common ancestor with the Italian altezza and the Portuguese alteza.
Examples in context
- Esta línea marca tu altura.This line marks your height.This sentence shows how to use altura to mark a specific height.Tatoeba #1289101 by marcelostockle, translation #58104 by rul
- Las dos montañas son de igual altura.The two mountains are of equal height.This sentence uses altura to compare the height of two mountains.Tatoeba #1243169 by marcelostockle, translation #50740 by CK
- Él está por encima de la altura media.He is above average height.This sentence uses altura to describe someone being above average height.Tatoeba #9769833 by Eremon, translation #2769707 by carlosalberto
- Tengo una estatura de 1.65 metros.I have a height of 1.65 meters.
- Mido aproximadamente 1.80 metros.I measure approximately 1.80 meters.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are looking at a new piece of furniture in a store.
- María¿Sabes la altura de esta estantería, Alejandro?Do you know the height of this bookshelf, Alejandro?
- AlejandroCreo que la altura es de un metro.I think the height is one meter.
- MaríaEs perfecta para mi habitación.It is perfect for my room.
- AlejandroEntonces, deberías comprarla ahora.Then, you should buy it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “height” translations and entries altura, alteza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alteza, altura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
