eres alto
/eɾes alto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you're tall" is translated into Spanish as eres alto.
This phrase is a statement used to tell someone that they have a height above average. When describing height, use alto for men and alta for women.
What does it mean word for word?
eres is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb ser (to be) and alto means tall.
Which one should you use?
The phrase eres alto uses the verb ser, which is used for permanent characteristics like height, rather than estás alto, which would imply a temporary state.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Eres alto/a may be more commonly replaced with Sos alto/a.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to a woman, you must change the adjective to the feminine form alta. To say "you're tall" in a formal way (using usted), use es alto instead of eres alto.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾes alto/
Did you know?
- While alto usually describes height, it can also be used as a command to stop, which comes from the German word 'halt'.
- If you call someone alto in a musical context, you aren't describing their height, but rather their voice type. In Spanish, an 'alto' refers to the alto singing voice.
- The word alto can be used to describe a person's social standing rather than their body. It can imply that someone holds a high rank, a position of authority, or a superior professional status.
Examples in context
- Eres alto, justo como tu padre.You're tall, just like your father.Tatoeba #4051736 by gianich73, translation #4049044 by Hybrid
- ¿Sabías que eres alto? ¡Qué envidia!Did you know you're tall? I'm so jealous!
- ¿Sabía que usted es alto? ¡Qué impresionante!Did you know you are tall? How impressive!
- Eres muy alto, incluso más que yo.You're very tall, even taller than me.
- Tienes una estatura impresionanteYou have an impressive height
- Eres alto para tu edad.You're tall for your age.
- No me queda bien porque eres alto.It doesn't fit me well because you're tall.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are meeting for the first time.
- AlejandroHola, Elena. Mucho gusto.Hello, Elena. Nice to meet you.
- ElenaHola, Alejandro. ¡Eres alto!Hello, Alejandro. You're tall!
- AlejandroGracias, juego baloncesto.Thanks, I play basketball.
- ElenaEso explica mucho.That explains a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alto, eres, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
