cresta
/ˈkɾesta/
The Spanish word for ridge is cresta.
cresta refers to a ridge or a chain of hills. Beyond geography, it can also be used to describe a ridge on the back of an animal or the crest of a wave.
Meaning: chain of hills (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, cresta means 'crest', referring to the top part of something.
Which one should you use?
While cresta is the general term, you can use the phrase cresta de la montaña specifically to refer to a mountain ridge.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾesta/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if someone is en la cresta de la ola, they are at the peak of their success or popularity.
- In Spanish, cresta is the specific word for the fleshy red comb on top of a rooster's head.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you describe someone as having a cresta on their head, you are likely referring to a colorful, upright mohawk hairstyle.
Examples in context
- Las crestas de las montañas están cubiertas de nieve.The ridges of the mountains are covered in snow.
- Caminamos por la loma hasta llegar al pueblo.We walked along the ridge until we reached the town.
- La cordillera se extiende a lo largo del crestón.The mountain range extends along the ridge.
- Subimos hasta el crestón para disfrutar de las vistas panorámicas.We climbed up to the ridge to enjoy the panoramic views.
- La cresta de la montaña es muy alta.The ridge of the mountain is very high.
- Podemos ver la cresta desde aquí.We can see the ridge from here.
- Hay mucha niebla sobre la cresta.There is a lot of fog over the ridge.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are planning a hiking trip.
- ElenaDeberíamos seguir la cresta para orientarnos.We should follow the ridge to get our bearings.
- DanielEs una buena idea, Daniel.That is a good idea, Daniel.
- ElenaMira, la cresta comienza justo allí.Look, the ridge starts right there.
- DanielSí, parece un camino seguro.Yes, it looks like a safe path.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cresta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
