escarpado
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “escarpado” mean in English?
steep, precipitous — having a sharp slope or incline
steep, precipitous — having a sharp slope or incline (sendero escarpado, terreno escarpado)
Example sentences
El sendero era muy escarpado y difícil de recorrer.
The path was very steep and difficult to walk.
Las laderas escarpadas del volcán impiden el acceso.
The steep slopes of the volcano prevent access.
Viven en un paisaje escarpado y montañoso.
They live in a steep and mountainous landscape.
How to use it
'Escarpado/a' means steep or craggy — used to describe sharp inclines or rugged terrain. Used with ser/estar. Mostly used in geographical and topographical descriptions. Collocates with 'ladera escarpada' (steep slope), 'acantilado escarpado' (steep cliff).
Common mistake
Don't confuse 'escarpado' (steep/craggy) with 'empinado' (steep gradient, more colloquial) — both work for hills but 'escarpado' is more formal and implies ruggedness.