meseta
/meˈseta/feminine
The English word plateau can be translated into Spanish as meseta. Wiktionary also lists altiplano and altiplanicie.
Meaning: high, level expanse (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| meseta | /meˈseta/ | feminine |
| altiplano | /altiˈplano/ | masculine |
| altiplanicie | /altiplaˈniθje/ /altiplaˈnisje/ |
feminine |
| altipampa | /altipampa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
In a geographical sense, these terms describe a high, level expanse of land. When you wish to speak figuratively about a person's progress or a process that has stopped developing, meaning to plateau, do not use a geographical term. Instead, use estancarse.
What does it mean word for word?
The term altiplano is a compound of alto, meaning high and plano, meaning flat or plain.
Which one should you use?
Meseta is a general term for any plateau, regardless of whether it is at a high altitude or not. In contrast, altiplano specifically refers to a high-altitude plateau.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/meˈseta/
Did you know?
- The word meseta is actually a diminutive form of mesa, which means 'table'. Literally, a meseta is a 'little table' of land.
- While English uses 'plateau' for both land and a lack of progress, Spanish uses estancarse, which comes from the word for 'stagnant water'.
- The term altipampa combines the word for 'high' with pampa, a word derived from Quechua meaning 'plain'.
Examples in context
- La Mancha es un altiplano.La Mancha is a high plateau.This sentence uses altiplano to describe La Mancha.
- El robusto rover de Tritón de Neptuno viajó sobre una meseta de hielo de nitrógeno.The rugged rover on Neptune's Triton travelled on a plateau of nitrogen ice.This sentence uses meseta to describe a plateau of nitrogen ice.Tatoeba #10774784 by nonong, translation #10774782 by nonong
- Brasíliense es alguien nacido o que vive en Brasilia, capital de Brasil, ubicada en el Distrito Federal, en el altiplano central.A Brasiliense is someone who was born or who lives in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, located in the Federal District, in the central plateau.This sentence uses altiplano to describe the location of Brasilia.Tatoeba #3388869 by carlosalberto, translation #3389078 by hoffmania
- La meseta es una formación geológica impresionanteThe plateau is an impressive geological formation
- El altaplano de Bolivia es famoso por su belleza naturalThe Bolivian plateau is famous for its natural beauty
- El país cuenta con amplias mesetas que ofrecen paisajes imponentes.The country has vast plateaus that offer stunning landscapes.
- El equipo de científicos estudia las características de esta gran meseta.The team of scientists is studying the characteristics of this large plateau.
- Vamos a hacer una caminata por el altaplano para apreciar la vista panorámica.We are going for a hike on the plateau to enjoy the panoramic view.
Example conversation
Two hikers are standing at the edge of a scenic viewpoint.
- MateoMira esa meseta tan grande.Look at that large plateau.
- MaríaEs una meseta muy hermosa.It is a very beautiful plateau.
- MateoPodemos caminar sobre la meseta.We can walk across the plateau.
- MaríaSí, es un buen lugar para descansar.Yes, it is a good place to rest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plateau” translations and entries meseta, altiplano, altiplanicie, 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 altiplanicie, altiplano, meseta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
