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How to Say "channels" in Spanish

English → Spanish

canales

/kah-NAH-lehs//kaˈnales/

nounA1/B1general
Use 'canales' for television or digital media stations, or for general methods or routes of communication and distribution.
A collection of colorful television screens displaying different programs like news, sports, and cartoons.

Examples

Mi abuelo siempre mira los canales de noticias.

My grandfather always watches the news channels.

Hay demasiados canales en YouTube hoy en día.

There are too many channels on YouTube nowadays.

Debemos usar los canales oficiales para la queja.

We must use the official channels for the complaint.

La empresa está abriendo nuevos canales de venta.

The company is opening new sales channels.

Making 'Canal' Plural

In Spanish, words that end in the letter 'l' add 'es' to become plural. So, one 'canal' becomes many 'canales'.

Gender Trap

Mistake:las canales

Correction: los canales

líneas

nounB1general
Use 'líneas' specifically when referring to communication routes, particularly in the context of telephone or internet connectivity.

Examples

Las líneas telefónicas están caídas por la tormenta.

The phone lines are down because of the storm.

vías

nounB2formal
Use 'vías' to refer to official procedures, methods, or means, especially in formal or diplomatic contexts.

Examples

Debemos resolver este conflicto por vías diplomáticas.

We must resolve this conflict through diplomatic channels (or means).

vehículos

nounB2formal
Use 'vehículos' when referring to media or communication as powerful instruments or means for influence or conveying messages.

Examples

Los medios de comunicación son vehículos poderosos para la influencia política.

The media are powerful vehicles for political influence.

Canales vs. Vías

Learners often confuse 'canales' and 'vías'. Remember that 'canales' is broader, covering media and general routes, while 'vías' is more specific to official procedures or means, often in formal settings. If you're talking about diplomatic or legal processes, 'vías' is usually the better choice.

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