Inklingo
← Dictionary

ríos

REE-ohs/ˈri.os/

“ríos” means “rivers” in Spanish (plural form of a natural flowing watercourse).

rivers

Also: streams, flows
NounmA1
General
A landscape showing two blue rivers winding through a green valley with small hills.

📝 In Action

Los ríos Amazonas y Nilo son los más largos del mundo.

A1

The Amazon and Nile rivers are the longest in the world.

Me gusta el sonido de los ríos cuando el agua corre rápido.

A2

I like the sound of rivers when the water flows fast.

Corrieron ríos de tinta sobre esa noticia.

B2

Rivers of ink were spilled over that news (meaning a lot was written).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • corrientes (currents/flows)
  • afluentes (tributaries)

Antonyms

  • mares (seas)
  • desiertos (deserts)

Common Collocations

  • ríos caudalosos – wide/fast-flowing rivers
  • cruzar ríos – to cross rivers
  • cuencas de los ríos – river basins

Idioms & Expressions

  • correr ríos de sangre – a lot of violence or fighting
  • donde los ríos se juntan – at the confluence/meeting point

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ríos" in Spanish:

flows→rivers→streams→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ríos

Question 1 of 2

How do you say 'The long rivers' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
río(river (singular)) — Noun
riachuelo(stream/brook) — Noun
riada(flood) — Noun
ribera(riverbank) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
fríosdesafíosmíos
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'rivus', which referred to a small stream or channel of water.

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: riosFrench: ruisseau (stream)English: river

💡 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

Is 'ríos' ever a verb?

No. While 'río' can mean 'I laugh' (from the verb reír), the plural 'ríos' is only ever a noun meaning 'rivers'.

Do all rivers in Spanish use 'los'?

Yes, when referring to rivers as a category or by name (e.g., 'el río Ebro'), they are almost always masculine.