arriba — meaning in English: above

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for above

arriba

oye

allá

mucho

película

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Spanish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'arriba' in everyday conversations when giving directions, such as saying, 'El supermercado está arriba de la calle' (The supermarket is up the street). It's also commonly heard in contexts of encouragement, as in '¡Ánimo, sigue adelante, arriba!' (Cheer up, keep going, up!).

Synonyms & nuances

'Arriba' is often compared with 'encima,' which means 'on top of.' While both can denote a position higher than something else, 'arriba' often conveys a sense of direction or elevation, while 'encima' suggests being physically on top of another object.

Culture

'Arriba' stems from the Latin word 'ad ripam', which means 'on the bank' or 'at the edge.' In various Spanish-speaking cultures, 'arriba' can also evoke feelings of upliftment, often used in the context of celebrating achievements or motivating others, such as in sporting events or social gatherings.

FAQ

Q.What does 'arriba' mean in English?

'Arriba' translates to 'above' or 'up' in English, indicating a position higher than something else. It can also express concepts of elevation or movement upwards.

Q.How do you use 'arriba' in a sentence?

You can use 'arriba' in sentences like 'Las estrellas están arriba' (The stars are above) or 'Sube arriba para ver la vista' (Go up to see the view). It's versatile and fits in various contexts!

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'arriba'?

Yes, a common mistake is using 'arriba' when 'encima' is more appropriate. Remember that 'arriba' is better for directions or elevation, while 'encima' refers specifically to physical placement on top of something.

Learn spanish with Maspeak →

Spanish 1000