Inklingo

carreteras

roads?general term for paved paths for vehicles
Also:highways?larger, main roads connecting cities

kah-rreh-teh-rahs

/ka.reˈte.ɾas/
NounfA2
neutralArgentinaMexico
A long, winding paved road stretching through a green countryside under a blue sky.

📝 In Action

Las carreteras en esta región son muy sinuosas.

A2

The roads in this region are very windy.

Hay muchas carreteras que conectan Madrid con la costa.

B1

There are many highways that connect Madrid with the coast.

Debemos tener cuidado en las carreteras cuando llueve.

A2

We must be careful on the roads when it rains.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rutas (routes/roads)
  • autopistas (highways/freeways)
  • caminos (paths/roads)

Common Collocations

  • seguridad en las carreterasroad safety
  • mapa de carreterasroad map
  • obras en las carreterasroad works

Idioms & Expressions

  • echarse a la carreterato start a road trip or hit the road

💡 Grammar Points

Making it Plural

Since 'carretera' ends in a vowel, you simply add an '-s' to talk about more than one. Because it's a feminine word, remember to use 'las' or 'unas' with it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Road vs. Street

Mistake:Using 'carreteras' to describe a small street inside a city.

Correction: Use 'calles' for city streets. 'Carreteras' are for the big roads that connect one town to another.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Rolling R

The double 'rr' in the middle of the word requires a strong vibration of the tongue. Try to 'purr' like a cat when you say that part!

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: carreteras

Question 1 of 1

If you are driving between two different cities in Spain, you are traveling on...

💡 Master Spanish

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

📚 More Resources

Word Family

carretera(road (singular)) - Noun
carro(car/cart) - Noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'carretera' and 'autopista'?

A 'carretera' is a general term for any road connecting places. An 'autopista' is a specific type of high-speed highway, often with multiple lanes and restricted access (and sometimes a toll).

Is 'carreteras' masculine or feminine?

It is feminine. You should always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, like 'las carreteras largas' (the long roads).