Adjective · A1 · Spanish glossary

Alto: tall

alto

Pronunciation: AHL-toh (stress the capital letters)

Alto means “tall” in English.

Quick answer

  • Meaning: tall; high
  • How to say it: AHL-toh
  • Forms: alto, alta, altos, altas
  • Level: Beginner (A1)

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What “alto” means and how to use it

Alto means “tall” for people and “high” for things. It is also used for loud sounds in some countries.

Forms of “alto”

DescribesSingularPlural
Masculinealtoaltos
Femininealtaaltas

Adjectives agree with the noun they describe.

Examples with audio

  • Mi padre es muy alto.My father is very tall.
  • El edificio es muy alto.The building is very tall.
  • Habla en voz alta.Speak in a loud voice.

Usage tip

The opposite is “bajo” (short, low). “En voz alta” means “out loud.”

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “tall” in Spanish?

“tall” in Spanish is “alto.” It is pronounced AHL-toh, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.

How do you pronounce “alto”?

Say AHL-toh. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.

How does “alto” change for feminine and plural?

The forms are “alto,” “alta,” “altos,” and “altas.”

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