arroyo
“arroyo” means “stream” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
stream
Also: brook, gutter
📝 In Action
Fuimos a caminar por la orilla del arroyo.
A2We went for a walk along the bank of the stream.
El agua del arroyo es muy clara y fresca.
A2The water in the brook is very clear and cool.
Después de la tormenta, el arroyo de la calle se inundó.
B1After the storm, the street gutter flooded.
I form streams
Also: I flood
📝 In Action
Cuando llueve fuerte, yo arroyo la tierra del jardín para que el agua salga.
C2When it rains hard, I create channels in the garden soil so the water drains out.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: arroyo
Question 1 of 2
If you are walking in the mountains and see a very small, narrow path of flowing water, you are looking at a/an:
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'arrugia', which originally referred to a gallery or shaft in a gold mine where water was used to wash out the dirt.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'arroyo' and 'arrollo'?
'Arroyo' (with a Y) is a noun meaning a small stream. 'Arrollo' (with LL) is a form of the verb 'arrollar', which means 'I run over' or 'I knock down' (like a car hitting something).
Is an 'arroyo' bigger than a 'río'?
No, an 'arroyo' is much smaller than a 'río' (river). Think of an arroyo as a creek or a brook.