tren
/tren/
train
The primary meaning of tren is a vehicle that runs on rails (train).
tren(Noun)
train
?vehicle that runs on railway tracks
railway
?referring to the system, less common
📝 In Action
El tren llega a la estación a las cinco.
A1The train arrives at the station at five.
Prefiero viajar en tren porque es más relajante.
A2I prefer to travel by train because it's more relaxing.
Perdimos el último tren de la noche.
A2We missed the last train of the night.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine: 'el tren'
Remember that 'tren' is a masculine word, so you'll always use 'el tren' (the train) or 'un tren' (a train).
⭐ Usage Tips
Traveling 'by train'
When you want to say you're traveling 'by train,' the magic word is 'en'. For example, 'Voy a Barcelona en tren' (I'm going to Barcelona by train).
In a figurative sense, tren can refer to the pace or rhythm of life, as in the phrase tren de vida (lifestyle).
📝 In Action
Lleva un tren de vida que no se puede permitir.
B2He leads a lifestyle that he can't afford.
Es difícil mantener este tren de trabajo sin descansar.
B2It's difficult to maintain this work pace without resting.
⭐ Usage Tips
A 'Train' of Activities
Think of this meaning like a 'train' of events or activities moving forward at a certain speed. It's almost always followed by 'de' (of), connecting it to what it's describing, like 'tren de vida' (literally, 'train of life').
Tren is also a technical term referring to mechanical assemblies, like the tren de aterrizaje (landing gear) of an aircraft.
📝 In Action
El piloto se olvidó de bajar el tren de aterrizaje.
C1The pilot forgot to lower the landing gear.
⭐ Usage Tips
In Technical Contexts
You'll almost only hear this meaning in specific, technical situations. The most famous example is 'tren de aterrizaje', which is the landing gear of an airplane.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tren
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'tren' to talk about a lifestyle?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'tren' and 'ferrocarril'?
Great question! They are very similar. 'Tren' usually refers to the vehicle itself—the engine and the cars. 'Ferrocarril' can also mean the vehicle, but it more often refers to the entire railway system, including the tracks and stations. In everyday conversation, people almost always say 'tren'.