alturas
/altuɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'heights' is translated into Spanish as alturas.
Alturas refers to high points or elevated positions. When expressing a fear of heights, Spanish speakers typically use the plural alturas rather than the singular altura.
What does it mean word for word?
The word alturas is the plural of altura, which is derived from the adjective alto (high) via the suffix -ura (used to form abstract nouns).
How do you pronounce it?
/altuɾas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
To express height, one should use Mido 1,82 metros instead of a literal translation of 'I am 6 feet tall'.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase estar a la altura describes someone who is capable of meeting a challenge or is 'up to the task', rather than their physical size.
- The word altura can be used to describe the 'pitch' of a musical note, referring to how high or low a sound is.
- The term alturas is often used poetically or metaphorically in Spanish to refer to the heavens or the divine, as in en las alturas.
Examples in context
- Le temo a las alturas.I am afraid of heights.This sentence is useful for expressing a fear of heights using alturas.Tatoeba #1392536 by marcelostockle, translation #1392418 by CC
- Me dan miedo las alturas.I'm afraid of heights.Tatoeba #2038639 by Alba, translation #1110791 by Scott
- Tom le teme a las alturas.Tom is afraid of heights.Tatoeba #1306086 by marcelostockle, translation #1025113 by CK
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are standing on a balcony of a skyscraper.
- MateoMe encantan estas alturas.I love these heights.
- SofíaA mí me ponen nerviosa.They make me nervous.
- MateoMira la ciudad desde las alturas.Look at the city from the heights.
- SofíaPrefiero no mirar hacia abajo, Mateo.I prefer not to look down, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
