alto el fuego
/alto el fweɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hold fire" is translated into Spanish as alto el fuego.
alto el fuego is used to denote a ceasefire or to issue a command to stop shooting during a conflict. It functions as both a noun, referring to the state of a ceasefire and as an imperative command to cease fire.
How do you pronounce it?
/alto el fweɡo/
Did you know?
- The word fuego shares the same root as the English word 'focus'. In Latin, focus referred specifically to the hearth of a fireplace.
Examples in context
- Debemos declarar un alto el fuego de inmediato.We must declare a ceasefire immediately.
- El alto el fuego ha sido respetado por ambos bandos.The ceasefire has been respected by both sides.
- No hubo un alto el fuego real en la frontera.There was no real ceasefire at the border.
Example conversation
Two soldiers are discussing a sudden change in orders.
- LucíaLucía, ¡alto el fuego!Lucía, hold fire!
- DanielEntendido, Daniel. He dejado de disparar.Understood, Daniel. I have stopped shooting.
- LucíaEl enemigo ha pedido un alto el fuego.The enemy has requested a ceasefire.
- DanielEspero que sea verdad.I hope it is true.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alto, alto el fuego, el, fuego, CC BY-SA 4.0.
