cumbre
/ˈkumbɾe/
The English phrase 'sumit' is translated into Spanish as cumbre.
cumbre refers to the highest point of a mountain. It can also be used figuratively to describe a high-level meeting between heads of state, such as a cumbre de líderes (summit of leaders).
Which one should you use?
A common synonym for cumbre when referring to the top of a mountain is cima.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cumbre is cumbres.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkumbɾe/
Did you know?
- The root of cumbre comes from the Proto-Indo-European word *kelH-, which is also the distant ancestor of the English word 'cell' and 'cellar'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word cumbre is used to describe the highest point of a wave in surfing or sailing.
- While cumbre and cima both mean 'summit', cima is often used in poetry and literature to describe the absolute peak of an emotion or a career.
Examples in context
- Vimos la nieve en la cumbre.We saw snow on the summit.
- La cumbre es muy difícil de alcanzar.The summit is very difficult to reach.
- El guía nos llevó hasta la cumbre.The guide took us to the summit.
Example conversation
Two hikers are resting before their final ascent.
- AlejandroEstamos cerca de la cumbre, Elena.We are close to the summit, Elena.
- ElenaSí, la cumbre se ve muy cerca.Yes, the summit looks very close.
- AlejandroTengo mucha ilusión de llegar allí.I am very excited to get there.
- ElenaYo también, será una vista increíble.Me too, it will be an incredible view.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cumbre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cumbre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
