túnel
“túnel” means “tunnel” in Spanish (underground passage).
tunnel
Also: underpass, tube
📝 In Action
El tren desapareció en el largo túnel de la montaña.
A1The train disappeared into the long mountain tunnel.
Tuvimos que cruzar un túnel peatonal para llegar al otro lado de la calle.
A2We had to cross a pedestrian underpass to get to the other side of the street.
La construcción del nuevo túnel de metro tardará tres años.
B1The construction of the new subway tunnel will take three years.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: túnel
Question 1 of 2
Which phrase correctly describes the common action related to building a túnel?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Borrowed from French *tunnel* and English *tunnel* in the 19th century. The word originally referred to a funnel or a tube, deriving from the Old French *tonnelle* (meaning a small cask or barrel).
First recorded: 19th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'túnel' masculine or feminine?
'Túnel' is always masculine: 'el túnel'. Even though it ends in 'L', which sometimes confuses learners, treat it like 'el papel' or 'el hotel'.
Can 'túnel' refer to things other than underground passages?
Yes! In specialized contexts, 'túnel' is used in phrases like 'túnel de viento' (wind tunnel) or 'túnel de lavado' (car wash). It can also mean 'nutmeg' in soccer slang.