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"Claro" is a form of "claro", an adjective which is often translated as "clear". "Alto" is a form of "alto", an adjective which is often translated as "tall". Learn more about the difference between "claro" and "alto" below.
claro(
klah
-
roh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (obvious)
a. clear
La explicación no estuvo clara. No tengo idea de cómo contestar esta pregunta.The explanation was not clear. I have no idea how to answer this question.
2. (light)
a. bright
Solo recuerdo que una luz clara rodeó al ángel.I only remember that a bright light surrounded the angel.
3. (color)
a. clear
El agua estaba tan clara que se podían ver las conchas en el fondo.The water was so clear you could see the shells on the bottom.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. clearly
Hablemos claro; mentiste y ahora no quieres admitir tu error.Let's speak clearly; you lied and now you don't want to admit your mistake.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. sure
¿Me haces un favor? - ¡Claro! ¿Qué quieres?Will you do me a favor? - Sure! What do you want?
b. of course
¿Vendrás a mi boda? - Claro. ¿Cuándo es?Will you come to my wedding? - Of course. When is it?
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Me prestas $20? - ¡Claro que no! Todavía me debes $50.Can I borrow $20? - No, you can't! You still owe me $50.
Papá, ¿me ayudarás a hacer la tarea de matemáticas esta noche? - ¡Claro que sí!Dad, will you help me with my math homework this evening? - Of course I will!
a. of course
Juan se ha ido. - ¡Claro! Se estaba aburriendo.Juan has left. - Of course! He was bored.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Margarita se negó a hacerlo. Claro que yo en su lugar también me hubiera negado.Margarita refused to do it. Mind you, I would have refused too in her place.
¿Lo haces tú? - Claro, para que si sale mal me eches la culpa a mí.Will you do it? - Oh sure, so you can blame me if it goes wrong.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. clearing
El claro estaba iluminado por faroles que colgaban de los árboles.The clearing was illuminated by lanterns that hung from trees.
alto(
ahl
-
toh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (height)
2. (level)
3. (sound)
a. loud
La música estaba tan alta que no podíamos conversar.The music was so loud that we couldn't talk.
4. (geography)
5. (history)
a. high
La iglesia se convirtió en una institución unificadora en la Alta Edad Media.The church became a unifying institution in the High Middle Ages.
a. high
El alto antiguo alemán se hablaba en zonas de Alemania hasta el siglo X u XI.The Old High German was spoken in areas of Germany until the 10th or 11th century.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
10. (break)
a. stop
Haremos un alto para tomar un café y usar el baño.We will make a stop to have a coffee and use the restroom.
11. (architecture)
a. top floor
Un ático es un apartamento en el alto de un edificio.A penthouse is an apartment on the top floor of a building.
a. length
Tengo que calcular el alto de tela que necesito para hacer una falda.I have to calculate the length of fabric that I need to make a skirt.
14. (automobile)
a. lights
El conductor no vio el alto y atropelló a un peatón que cruzaba la carretera.The driver didn't see the lights, and ran over a pedestrian crossing the road.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. stop
¡Alto! No pueden entrar en ese ala del hospital sin traje para protección contra materiales peligrosos.Stop! You can't go into that wing of the hospital without a hazmat suit.
