Spanish Conversation · Level 31
90 words
Spanish word
arriba
Pronunciation
IPA/aˈriβa/
Meaning
- adverbup
Example
Las llaves están arriba en la estantería.
The keys are up on the shelf.
More examples
Mira arriba antes de subir.
Look up before going up.
Core concept
An object resting on a high shelf.
Common phrases
estar arriba
be up
mirar arriba
look up
desde arriba
from above
Similar words
encima: Lies directly on top of another object or surface, often touching it.
hacia arriba: Moves upward toward a higher place, expressing upward motion or direction.
más arriba: Stands at a higher position than a reference point, indicating comparative height.
Definition in Spanish
Indica que algo está en lo alto o que se mueve hacia arriba; en el habla coloquial puede aparecer aislado como exclamación para animar o llamar la atención.
Word origin
The adverb derives from Old Spanish a riba (preposition a + riba), with riba from Latin ripa 'bank' and a semantic shift toward 'above' giving the modern sense.
Usage tips
- When used alone as ¡Arriba! it functions as a shout of encouragement or to rouse people rather than to indicate physical position.