ALTO
road sign
On Mexican road signs "stop" is ALTO, and shouting ¡Alto! tells someone to halt. In speech para or detente are used. It is also called Deténgase.
Meaning: cease or halt (verb)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| ALTO | road sign |
| Para | informal command |
| Detente | firm command |
| Deténgase | formal command |
The red octagonal sign in Mexico reads ALTO, not "STOP". Para and detente are commands to one person you call tú.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With usted the command is deténgase, for example from a police officer.
Did you know?
- Stop signs in Mexico say ALTO in white letters.
Examples in context
- ¡Alto! No pases en rojo.Stop! Do not go through a red light.
- Para, por favor, aquí me bajo.Stop, please, I get off here.
- Detente un momento.Stop for a moment.
Example conversation
Sergio rides a microbus in Mexico City and tells the driver to let him off.
- SergioDisculpe, ¿me puede parar aquí?Excuse me, can you stop here?
- ChoferClaro, en la esquina.Sure, at the corner.
- SergioGracias, aquí está bien.Thanks, here is fine.
