cresta
/ˈkɾesta/
The English phrase "mountain ridge" is translated into Spanish as cresta.
cresta refers to the long, narrow top edge of a mountain or a chain of mountains. While you can use cresta on its own, it is common to use the phrase cresta de la montaña to specifically specify that you are talking about a mountain ridge.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the formal term Cordillera is used to describe a mountain ridge or a chain of mountains.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾesta/
Did you know?
- Beyond geography, cresta is the word for a rooster's comb. This is because both a mountain ridge and a bird's comb share the same jagged, fleshy or rocky silhouette.
- When talking about the ocean, cresta refers to the whitecap or the foaming top of a breaking wave.
- In some regions, calling someone a cresta is a slang way to describe a person who is arrogant or 'high and mighty', playing on the image of a proud rooster's comb.
Examples in context
- El escalador llegó a la cresta de la montaña al amanecer.The climber reached the mountain ridge at dawn.
- Vimos la cresta desde el avión.We saw the mountain ridge from the plane.
- La cresta de la montaña es muy estrecha.The mountain ridge is very narrow.
- El sol brilla sobre la cresta.The sun is shining over the ridge.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking at a landscape painting in a gallery.
- Mateo¿Ves esa cresta en el cuadro?Do you see that ridge in the painting?
- MaríaSí, es una cresta muy impresionante.Yes, it is a very impressive ridge.
- MateoParece que el artista la pintó con mucho detalle.It looks like the artist painted it with a lot of detail.
- MaríaTienes razón, Mateo, es hermosa.You are right, Mateo, it is beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cresta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
