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"Gordo" is an adjective which is often translated as "fat", and "es alto" is a phrase which is often translated as "he's tall". Learn more about the difference between "gordo" and "es 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.
es alto(
ehs
ahl
-
toh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. he's tall
Es alto y guapo, y también inteligente y simpático.He's tall and handsome, and also intelligent and funny.
b. it's tall
Es alto y moderno, y está ubicado en el centro de la ciudad.It's tall and modern, and it's located in the city center.
d. it's high
Es alto en azúcar, no deberías comerlo tan seguido.It's high in sugar, you shouldn't eat it so often
e. is high
El volcán es alto e imponente, pero está inactivo.The volcano is high and impressive, but it's dormant.
2. (formal) (second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
