Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| empinado | /empiˈnado/ |
| escarpado | /eskaɾˈpado/ |
| acantilado | /akantiˈlado/ |
In Spanish, words for "steep" are used to describe inclines that are near-vertical. While these terms describe the angle of a slope, be careful not to confuse them with the related Spanish word sopa (liquid/soup) or the verb remojar (to soak an item in liquid).
Which one should you use?
While empinado refers to a general steep incline, escarpado is a more descriptive term used specifically for terrain that is not only steep but also rugged, rocky or precipitous. Additionally, in formal contexts, the noun pendiente can be used to refer to a steep incline or slope.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it describes. For example, while the masculine form is empinado, you must use the feminine form empinada when describing a feminine noun such as pendiente (slope).
How do you pronounce it?
/empiˈnado/
Did you know?
- The verb empinar is often used in the phrase empinar el codo which literally means 'to steep the elbow', but actually means 'to drink a lot of alcohol'.
- In some regions, empinarse is used as a reflexive verb to describe the act of standing on tiptoes to reach something high.
- The word pendiente refers to a slope, but it also functions as the word for 'pending' or 'outstanding' (as in a debt).
Examples in context
- Demasiado empinado para subir.It's too steep a climb.This sentence is useful for describing a climb that is too steep.Tatoeba #7203272 by arh, translation #6577384 by Eccles17
- El camino a través del cañón parece empinado.The path through the canyon seems steep.This sentence shows how to describe a path through a canyon that seems steep.Tatoeba #1129980 by cueyayotl, translation #1128782 by cntrational
- Las botas me apretaban, y el camino era tan escarpado, que me lastimé las uñas de los dedos gordos.My boots were so tight, and the path so steep, that I injured the toenails of both of my big toes.This sentence demonstrates the use of escarpado to describe a rugged, steep path.Tatoeba #1084366 by hayastan, translation #1070354 by witbrock
- la pendiente de la montaña era muy pronunciadaThe steepness of the mountain was very pronounced
- la calle es muy empinadaThe street is very steep
- el precio de ese artículo ha dado un subidónThe price of that item has taken a steep rise
- El sendero de montaña es empinado, pero las vistas valen la pena.The mountain trail is steep, but the views are worth it.
- La subida de precio fue pronunciada después de la temporada de verano.The price increase was steep after the summer season.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are hiking up a mountain trail.
- ElenaEste sendero es muy empinado.This trail is very steep.
- DanielSí, es una subida difícil.Yes, it is a difficult climb.
- ElenaDaniel, ten cuidado con los escalones.Daniel, be careful with the steps.
- DanielLo tendré en cuenta, Elena.I will keep that in mind, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steep” translations and entries empinado, escarpado, acantilado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
