muro
/MOO-roh/
wall
Muro translating to a physical wall or structural boundary.
muro(noun)
wall
?thick, exterior, or structural boundary
retaining wall
?engineering/construction
,dam
?large structure holding back water (less common than 'presa')
📝 In Action
El muro del jardín es muy alto y de piedra.
A1The garden wall is very high and made of stone.
Tuvieron que construir un muro de contención para evitar el deslizamiento de tierra.
B1They had to build a retaining wall to prevent the landslide.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'muro' is a masculine noun, so use 'el' (the) and masculine adjectives with it: 'el muro blanco' (the white wall).
⭐ Usage Tips
Muro vs. Pared
Use 'muro' for walls that are thick, strong, or outside (like a fence or a defensive structure). Use 'pared' for thinner, interior walls inside a house.
Muro used metaphorically to mean a barrier or insurmountable obstacle.
muro(noun)
barrier
?metaphorical obstacle
,wall of silence
?lack of communication
deadlock
?negotiation/political context
📝 In Action
Hemos llegado a un muro en las negociaciones de paz.
B2We have hit a wall in the peace negotiations.
El presidente se encontró con un muro de resistencia en el congreso.
C1The president encountered a wall of resistance in congress.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Figuratively
When 'muro' means 'barrier,' it often follows verbs like 'encontrar' (to find) or 'chocar contra' (to crash into) to describe hitting an unexpected problem.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: muro
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'muro' for a figurative meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'muro' y 'pared'?
Both words mean 'wall,' but 'muro' refers to a thick, strong, structural, or exterior wall (like a boundary or defensive wall). 'Pared' is the general, everyday term, usually referring to the thinner, interior walls inside a building.
Does 'muro' ever refer to a political border?
Yes, 'muro' is the correct term for large, high, or controversial border barriers, such as 'el Muro de Berlín' (the Berlin Wall).