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"Alto" is a form of "alto", an adjective which is often translated as "tall". "Gordo" is an adjective which is often translated as "fat". Learn more about the difference between "gordo" and "alto" below.
gordo(
gohr
-
doh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (corpulent)
a. fat
Ese gato está tan gordo que no alcanza saltar al sofá.That cat is so fat it can't jump onto the couch.
2. (not thin)
a. thick
Tengo que leer un libro gordo para mi clase de historia.I have to read a thick book for my history class.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
b. fat man (masculine)
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
Yo estaba sentado entre dos gordos.I was sitting between two fat men.
c. fat woman (feminine)
A word or phrase that is feminine (e.g., la manzana).
La gorda que tenía adelante caminaba más lento que yo.The fat woman in front of me walked more slowly than I.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. fat
Quítale el gordo a la carne antes de meterla al sartén.Remove the fat from the meat before putting it in the pan.
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.
