tránsito
/TRAHN-see-toh/
traffic
Tránsito can mean the flow of vehicles moving through streets.
tránsito(noun)
traffic
?the movement of vehicles or people on streets
circulation
?the flow of movement in a specific area
📝 In Action
El tránsito está muy lento esta mañana por la lluvia.
A2The traffic is very slow this morning because of the rain.
Las normas de tránsito son para nuestra seguridad.
A2Traffic rules are for our safety.
Hay mucho tránsito de personas en esta calle comercial.
B1There is a lot of foot traffic on this shopping street.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
The word 'tránsito' is always masculine. Even if you are talking about many cars or people, use 'el tránsito' or 'mucho tránsito'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Tránsito vs. Tráfico
Mistake: "Using 'tráfico' for illegal trade only."
Correction: In many countries, 'tráfico' and 'tránsito' are the same for cars. However, 'tránsito' is the official word for road laws and safety.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Pro Tip
If you are in a meeting and late because of cars, saying 'había mucho tránsito' is a perfect and natural excuse.
Tránsito also refers to the act of passing through a place while traveling to another destination.
tránsito(noun)
transit
?passing through a place on the way to somewhere else
passage
?the act of moving from one place/state to another
📝 In Action
Estamos en la zona de tránsito del aeropuerto.
B1We are in the airport's transit area.
El planeta está en constante tránsito.
C1The planet is in constant transit.
⭐ Usage Tips
Travel Context
Use this when you have a layover. You are a 'pasajero en tránsito' because you are just passing through the airport.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tránsito
Question 1 of 2
If you are stuck behind many cars on the way to work, you are stuck in...
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tránsito' only for cars?
No! While it's most common for cars, it can also describe the movement of people walking ('tránsito peatonal') or even the movement of planets in astronomy.
Should I use 'tráfico' or 'tránsito'?
Both are usually fine! In everyday conversation, 'tráfico' is very common. 'Tránsito' sounds a bit more official or structured, like when referring to laws or city planning.