canal
/kah-NAHL/
channel
The word 'canal' can mean a TV or radio channel, referring to the specific frequency or station.
📝 In Action
¿En qué canal están dando el partido de fútbol?
A1What channel is the soccer game on?
Mi canal de noticias favorito es el 5.
A2My favorite news channel is channel 5.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'canal' is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'El canal nuevo' (The new channel).
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking about TV
This is the standard word used in all Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a TV station or frequency.
'Canal' refers to an artificial waterway designed for navigation or irrigation.
canal(noun)
canal
?artificial waterway
,strait
?natural narrow waterway
ditch
?small trench for irrigation
,channel
?natural deep part of a river or sea
📝 In Action
El Canal de Panamá es una obra de ingeniería impresionante.
B1The Panama Canal is an impressive engineering work.
Tuvimos que cruzar un pequeño canal de riego para llegar al campo.
B2We had to cross a small irrigation ditch to reach the field.
💡 Grammar Points
Geographical Names
When referring to famous geographical features, the word 'canal' often remains capitalized, like 'El Canal de la Mancha' (The English Channel).
When referring to communication or distribution, 'canal' means the method or route used to send information or goods.
canal(noun)
channel
?method or route for distribution or communication
medium
?means of communication
,route
?path for goods/information
📝 In Action
Debemos usar los canales oficiales para enviar esta información.
B2We must use the official channels to send this information.
La empresa distribuye sus productos por varios canales de venta.
C1The company distributes its products through various sales channels.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning extends the idea of a physical passage (like a river) to an abstract one (like a route for information or sales).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
In business or administrative settings, using 'canal' for communication or distribution sounds professional and appropriate.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: canal
Question 1 of 1
Which meaning of 'canal' is used in the phrase: 'El gobierno abrió un nuevo canal de diálogo.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'canal' masculine or feminine?
'Canal' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) with it, regardless of whether you are talking about a TV station or a waterway.
How is 'canal' different from 'río' (river)?
A 'río' is a natural flow of water. A 'canal' is typically a man-made structure, built to carry water or ships, even if it follows a natural path (like the Panama Canal).