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alrededores

al-reh-deh-DOH-rehs/alreðeˈðoɾes/

“alrededores” means “surroundings” in Spanish (the area or environment around a specific place).

surroundings

Also: outskirts, environs
NounmB1
A small cozy cottage in the center of a landscape with rolling green hills, a winding stream, and colorful trees.

📝 In Action

Me gusta caminar por los alrededores del lago.

A2

I like to walk around the surroundings of the lake.

Vivimos en los alrededores de Madrid.

B1

We live on the outskirts of Madrid.

Hay muchos castillos antiguos en los alrededores.

B1

There are many old castles in the surrounding area.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • afueras (outskirts)
  • cercanías (vicinity/nearby areas)
  • contornos (edges/boundaries)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • en los alrededores de – in the surrounding area of
  • por los alrededores – around the neighborhood/vicinity

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "alrededores" in Spanish:

environs→outskirts→surroundings→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: alrededores

Question 1 of 1

If you want to say you live 'near' the city but not in the center, which is most natural?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
alrededor(around) — Adverb
rodear(to surround) — Verb
redondo(round) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the phrase 'al rededor', combining 'al' (to the) and 'rededor' (around/circuit). It shares a root with the word for 'net' (red), suggesting something that circles or encloses.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: arredores

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'alrededores' formal?

It is quite neutral. You can use it in a casual conversation with friends or in a formal guidebook about a city.

Can I use it for people?

No, 'alrededores' usually refers to physical places. To talk about people around you, you would say 'la gente que me rodea' (the people who surround me).