Inklingo
Dictionary

canalizar

ka-na-lee-SARkanaliˈθaɾ

“canalizar” means “to channel” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

to channelB1Verb

directing energy, emotions, or resources

Learn more →
to channelB2Verb

building infrastructure for liquids or cables

Learn more →

to channelAlso: to direct

VerbB1spelling change ar
A child focusing their energy into a bright, glowing ball of light between their hands.
gerundcanalizando
past Participlecanalizado
infinitivecanalizar

📝 In Action

Necesitas canalizar tu energía en algo productivo.

B1

You need to channel your energy into something productive.

La ONG canaliza las donaciones hacia las familias más necesitadas.

B2

The NGO channels donations toward the families in most need.

Es importante canalizar la frustración a través del deporte.

C1

It is important to channel frustration through sports.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • encauzar (to channel/guide)
  • dirigir (to direct)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • canalizar esfuerzos – to channel efforts
  • canalizar recursos – to channel resources
  • canalizar la ira – to channel anger

to channelAlso: to pipe

VerbB2spelling change arformal
A stone trench guiding a stream of clear water through a garden.
gerundcanalizando
past Participlecanalizado
infinitivecanalizar

📝 In Action

El gobierno decidió canalizar el río para evitar inundaciones.

B2

The government decided to channel the river to prevent floods.

Están canalizando la fibra óptica por toda la ciudad.

C1

They are ducting the fiber optic cables throughout the city.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • entubar (to pipe)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • canalizar aguas residuales – to channel sewage water

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yocanalizara
túcanalizaras
él/ella/ustedcanalizara
nosotroscanalizáramos
vosotroscanalizarais
ellos/ellas/ustedescanalizaran

Present Subjunctive

yocanalice
túcanalices
él/ella/ustedcanalice
nosotroscanalicemos
vosotroscanalicéis
ellos/ellas/ustedescanalicen

Indicative

Preterite

yocanalicé
túcanalizaste
él/ella/ustedcanalizó
nosotroscanalizamos
vosotroscanalizasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedescanalizaron

Imperfect

yocanalizaba
túcanalizabas
él/ella/ustedcanalizaba
nosotroscanalizábamos
vosotroscanalizabais
ellos/ellas/ustedescanalizaban

Present

yocanalizo
túcanalizas
él/ella/ustedcanaliza
nosotroscanalizamos
vosotroscanalizáis
ellos/ellas/ustedescanalizan
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "canalizar" in Spanish:

to channelto directto pipe

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: canalizar

Question 1 of 3

Which of the following is the correct 'I' form in the past tense (Preterite)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
canal(channel/canal) — Noun
canalización(channeling/piping) — Noun
acanalado(grooved/fluted) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
actualizarrealizar
📚 Etymology

From the noun 'canal' (channel), which comes from the Latin 'canalis' (a water pipe or groove), combined with the suffix '-izar' (to make or do).

First recorded: 18th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: canaliserEnglish: channelize

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'canalizar' only apply to water?

No! While it originally comes from water channels, it is very frequently used for energy, money, resources, and emotions.

What is the difference between 'dirigir' and 'canalizar'?

'Dirigir' is general (to lead or direct), while 'canalizar' implies taking something that might be scattered or messy and giving it a specific path or direction.

Is 'canalicé' irregular?

It is considered a 'spelling-change' verb. The sound remains the same, but the letter changes to follow Spanish spelling rules.