máximo
/ˈmaɡsimo/masculine
The English phrase "maximum" translates to Spanish as máximo. Wiktionary also lists máximum.
Meaning: highest limit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| máximo | /ˈmaɡsimo/ | masculine |
| máximum | /maɡsimum/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
As a noun, máximo refers to the highest limit. It can also function as an adjective meaning the highest degree. A common idiomatic expression is al máximo, which means doing something to the fullest extent or at full capacity.
Which one should you use?
While máximo is the standard form, máximum is also a masculine form used in Spanish. The word mínimo serves as the direct antonym, denoting the lowest limit or degree.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes to the feminine form máxima when it modifies a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmaɡsimo/
Did you know?
- The phrase al máximo is frequently used to describe a state of pushing oneself to the brink of total exhaustion.
- Unlike most Spanish words that evolved from Vulgar Latin, máximo was reintroduced into the language by scholars as a learned borrowing from Latin.
- In informal Spanish, people often use the word tope instead of máximo when referring to a physical or capacity limit.
Examples in context
- Fíjese que el máximo no siempre existe.Note that the maximum doesn't always exist.This sentence illustrates the use of máximo as a noun representing an existing limit.Tatoeba #1294048 by marcelostockle, translation #391678 by MUIRIEL
- ¡Disfrutamos al máximo!We enjoyed ourselves to the maximum!This sentence shows the idiomatic use of máximo within the phrase al máximo.Tatoeba #4600178 by DarkHollow, translation #4599924 by slyfin
- Los cocodrilos de agua dulce no llegan a los tres metros de largo y normalmente pesan un máximo de setenta kilos.Freshwater crocodiles reach no more than three meters in length and normally weigh a maximum of seventy kilos.This sentence demonstrates using máximo to specify a weight limit.Tatoeba #4234803 by hayastan, translation #11607529 by abburns
- Tenemos un límite máximo de invitados en el evento.We have a maximum number of guests at the event.
- El peso máximo permitido en este avión es de 23 kilogramos.The maximum weight allowed on this plane is 23 kilograms.
- Nuestro objetivo es brindar un nivel de satisfacción máximo a nuestros clientes.Our goal is to provide our customers with maximum satisfaction.
- El presupuesto tiene un tope máximo de $10,000.The budget has a maximum limit of $10,000.
- Este contrato tiene un plazo de duración con un tope máximo de dos años.This contract has a maximum duration limit of two years.
- Podemos invitar a unas 10 personas máx.We can invite around 10 people maximum.
- El programa dura media hora máx.The program lasts a maximum of half an hour.
- La temperatura máxima hoy será de 30 grados Celsius.The maximum temperature today will be 30 degrees Celsius.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing the rules for a contest.
- SofíaEl máximo de palabras es quinientas.The maximum number of words is five hundred.
- AlejandroEs muy poco espacio para escribir.That is very little space to write.
- SofíaDebes resumir tu idea al máximo.You must summarize your idea to the maximum.
- AlejandroEstá bien, lo intentaré, Sofía.Alright, I will try it, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maximum” translations and entries máximo, máximum, 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 máximo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
