callejón
/kah-yeh-HOHN/
alley
A "callejón" is literally a narrow passage, or alley, between structures.
callejón(noun)
alley
?a narrow passage between buildings
,lane
?a narrow path or road
passageway
?any narrow passage
📝 In Action
El niño perdió su pelota en el callejón detrás de la tienda.
A2The boy lost his ball in the alley behind the store.
Tuvimos que caminar por un callejón estrecho para llegar a la plaza.
B1We had to walk through a narrow lane to get to the square.
💡 Grammar Points
The Augmentative Suffix
Even though 'callejón' uses the suffix '-ón' (which usually means 'big,' like 'casona' for 'big house'), here it refers to a specific, narrow type of street, often enclosed by tall buildings.
⭐ Usage Tips
Distinguishing from 'Calle'
'Calle' is a regular, wide street, often for cars. 'Callejón' is always a confined, narrow space, usually only for pedestrians or service access.
Figuratively, "callejón" can mean a dead end or a hopeless situation with no way out.
callejón(noun)
dead end
?figurative, referring to a hopeless situation
,tight spot
?a difficult predicament
📝 In Action
Si no llegamos a un acuerdo, estaremos en un callejón sin salida financiero.
C1If we don't reach an agreement, we will be in a financial dead end.
El negociador se sintió atrapado en un callejón diplomático.
C2The negotiator felt trapped in a diplomatic tight spot.
💡 Grammar Points
Metaphorical Extension
This figurative use comes directly from the idea of a physical alley that has no exit, making it a perfect metaphor for a situation that offers no solution or escape.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Key Phrase
You will almost always encounter this figurative meaning paired with 'sin salida' (without exit). If it's not followed by 'sin salida,' it probably means a literal alley.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: callejón
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'callejón' in its figurative sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key difference between 'calle' and 'callejón'?
'Calle' is the general word for a street or road. 'Callejón' is always a specific type of street that is very narrow, often hidden, and sometimes completely enclosed or blocked at one end (a dead end).