altura
/alˈtuɾa/feminine
In Spanish, 'pitch' (the perceived frequency of a sound) is translated as altura. Wiktionary also lists altura tonal and frecuencia acústica/sónica.
Meaning: perceived frequency of a sound or note (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| altura | /alˈtuɾa/ | feminine |
| altura tonal | /alˌtuɾa toˈnal/ | feminine |
| frecuencia acústica/sónica | feminine |
When referring to the perceived frequency of a sound or musical note, use altura, altura tonal or frecuencia acústica/sónica. Note that while 'pitch' is sometimes used informally in Spanish business or marketing contexts, these Spanish terms are the proper ways to describe sound frequency.
What does it mean word for word?
The word altura literally means 'height', which is used metaphorically in Spanish to refer to the 'height' of a musical pitch.
Which one should you use?
Use altura to describe the high or low quality of a sound. This is distinct from volumen (volume) or timbre (tone color).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The words altura and altura tonal are feminine nouns. The phrase frecuencia acústica/sónica is also feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈtuɾa/
Did you know?
- In a Spanish musical context, if you want to say a pitch is 'off', you would not use altura but instead say the note is desafinada.
- While altura means 'pitch' in music, it is also the standard word for 'altitude' when talking about mountains or aircraft.
- The word alto (the root of altura) can also mean 'tall' when referring to people, meaning a 'high' pitch and a 'tall' person share the same linguistic origin.
Examples in context
- El inversionista está interesado en recibir tu propuesta.The investor is interested in receiving your proposal.
- Le hice un pitch de mi proyecto y le encantó el concepto.I gave a pitch of my project and he loved the concept.
- La altura de la nota es muy alta.The pitch of the note is very high.
- No puedo controlar la altura de mi voz.I cannot control the pitch of my voice.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are practicing music together.
- AlejandroSofía, creo que la altura está mal en este acorde.Sofía, I think the pitch is wrong in this chord.
- SofíaTienes razón, Alejandro. Voy a ajustarlo ahora.You are right, Alejandro. I am going to adjust it now.
- AlejandroAhora la altura suena perfecta.Now the pitch sounds perfect.
- Sofía¡Qué bueno! Sigamos tocando.That's great! Let's keep playing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pitch” translations and entries altura, altura tonal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
