Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Cliff in Spanish: Acantilado
Acantilado · noun (masculine) · ah-kahn-tee-LAH-doh
The Spanish word for cliff is 'acantilado,' referring to a steep rock face, especially one found along a coastline. 'Precipicio' can also be used when emphasizing the dangerous height or drop. Spain's coastlines feature many famous acantilados that attract tourists from around the world.
Pronounce it ah-kahn-tee-LAH-doh, with five syllables and the stress on the fourth. The vowels are open and clear, following standard Spanish phonetic patterns.
Los acantilados de la costa son impresionantes.
The coastal cliffs are breathtaking.
Cliff in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for cliff, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| acantilado | cliff | ah-kahn-tee-LAH-doh | Default, widely understood |
| precipicio | cliff | used for steep drop-offs or chasms | |
| barranco | cliff | used in some regions for ravines or steep slopes |
How Native Speakers Use Acantilado
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Travel description
Caminamos hasta el borde del acantilado para ver el mar.
We walked to the edge of the cliff to see the ocean.
Describing a scenic hike.
Safety warning
No te acerques demasiado al acantilado porque es peligroso.
Don't get too close to the cliff because it's dangerous.
Warning someone about a steep drop.
Geography class
Los acantilados se forman por la erosión del agua durante miles de años.
Cliffs are formed by water erosion over thousands of years.
Explaining geological formations.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Acantilado
Gender error
Incorrect: La acantilado es alta.
Correct: El acantilado es alto.
'Acantilado' is masculine, so it requires 'el' and the masculine adjective form 'alto.'
Confusing with precipicio
Incorrect: Saltó del acantilado al río.
Correct: Saltó del precipicio al río.
While both words refer to steep drops, 'precipicio' better describes an inland vertical drop, whereas 'acantilado' specifically suggests a coastal cliff face.
Lock in Cliff Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Acantilado used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using acantilado in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Los acantilados de la costa son impresionantes. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Cliff in Spanish
- Can acantilado be used for any steep rock face?
- While 'acantilado' most commonly refers to coastal cliffs, it can occasionally describe inland rock faces, though 'precipicio' or 'barranco' may be more precise for non-coastal settings.
- What is the plural of acantilado?
- The plural form is 'acantilados,' formed by simply adding '-s' to the singular, as is standard for Spanish nouns ending in a vowel.
- How is acantilado different from montaña?
- 'Acantilado' refers to a steep, near-vertical rock face or drop-off, while 'montaña' means mountain and describes a large elevated landform with peaks and slopes.