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"Medio" is a form of "medio", an adjective which is often translated as "half". "Alto" is a form of "alto", an adjective which is often translated as "tall". Learn more about the difference between "medio" and "alto" below.
medio(
meh
-
dyoh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
2. (ordinary)
a. average
El perro medio requiere por lo menos 60 minutos de actividad física al día.The average dog requires at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
a. middle
No somos ricos, pero sí somos de clase media alta.We're not rich, but we are upper middle class.
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).
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).
8. (soccer)
a. midfielder
Los medios tienen que circular el balón mejor si quieren ganar este partido.The midfielders have to pass the ball better if they want to win this match.
los medios
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. media
Los medios tienen un muy corto periodo de atención.The media has a very short attention span.
10. (resources)
a. means
La empresa no tiene los medios financieros para sacarse de esta situación.The company doesn't have the financial means to get out of this situation.
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.
