vertical
/beɾtiˈkal/
The English word vertical is translated into Spanish as vertical.
The word vertical is used to describe something that is perpendicular to horizontal. You can also use the phrase en posición vertical to explicitly state that something is in a vertical position.
Meaning: being perpendicular to horizontal (adj)
Which one should you use?
While vertical is the standard term, you might encounter more specialized words: Erecto is used in formal contexts related to anatomy or engineering to describe an upright position and Plomado is used in the construction industry to describe something that is perfectly vertical, as determined by a plumb line.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the adverb verticalmente is used in formal and technical contexts to mean 'vertically'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vertical is gender-neutral, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. To form the plural, use verticales.
How do you pronounce it?
/beɾtiˈkal/
Did you know?
- The word vertical is part of a larger family of Latin-based words related to turning, including the Spanish word vértigo.
- In Spanish construction, the term plomado comes from the word plomo, meaning 'lead', referring to the heavy lead weights used in plumb lines to ensure a wall is vertical.
- The Spanish word vertical can be used to describe a 'vertical' climb in hiking, which often refers to a steep incline rather than a literal 90-degree angle.
Examples in context
- El acantilado es casi vertical.The cliff is almost vertical.This sentence shows how to describe a cliff as being almost vertical.Tatoeba #6047055 by albrusgher, translation #48970 by CK
- El tango es la expresión vertical del deseo horizontal.Tango is the vertical expression of horizontal desire.This sentence uses vertical metaphorically to describe an expression of desire.Tatoeba #862423 by manufrutos, translation #862979 by papabear
- Los chakras están alineados en una columna vertical a lo largo de la columna vertebral.The chakras are all aligned in a vertical column along one's spine.This sentence describes chakras being aligned in a vertical column.Tatoeba #10326068 by ecorralest101, translation #3393689 by Hybrid
- La estructura se encuentra en posición vertical.The structure is in a vertical position.
- Esos bloques de construcción deben estar parados.Those building blocks should be vertical.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are hanging a picture frame on the wall.
- SofíaAsegúrate de que la línea sea vertical.Make sure that the line is vertical.
- JavierParece que está un poco torcido.It looks like it is a bit crooked.
- SofíaMueve el lado izquierdo hacia arriba.Move the left side upwards.
- JavierAhora sí, quedó totalmente vertical.Now it is, it stayed totally vertical.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vertical” translations and entries vertical, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
