Inklingo

How to Say "direction" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dirección

NounA2General
Use 'dirección' when referring to the specific path or way to get to a place, or a general orientation in space.

Examples

Siga todo recto en esa dirección.

Continue straight in that direction.

rumbo

/rrohm-boh//ˈrumbo/

NounA2General
Use 'rumbo' to talk about a general course or heading, often used in navigation or when setting out towards a goal.
A small red sailboat follows a visible dashed line across the ocean directly toward a distant green island, symbolizing its nautical course.

Examples

El capitán ajustó el timón y puso rumbo al sur.

The captain adjusted the rudder and set a course for the south.

Perdimos el rumbo por culpa de la niebla espesa.

We lost our heading because of the thick fog.

El avión lleva rumbo a Madrid.

The plane is heading toward Madrid.

Using 'Rumbo' with 'A'

When you talk about setting a direction toward a specific place, you almost always use the preposition 'a' (to/toward): 'rumbo a la costa' (heading to the coast).

Using 'Por' instead of 'A'

Mistake: “El tren va por rumbo Barcelona.”

Correction: El tren va rumbo a Barcelona. ('Rumbo a' is the fixed phrase for destination.)

sentido

/sen-TEE-doh//senˈti.ðo/

NounB1General
Use 'sentido' specifically when talking about the direction of traffic flow or movement on roads.
A simple illustration of a straight road with a large, clear painted arrow showing the single direction of travel for a tiny vehicle.

Examples

Esta calle es de sentido único.

This is a one-way street.

Los coches vienen en sentido contrario.

The cars are coming in the opposite direction.

Debes cambiar de sentido en la rotonda.

You should change direction at the roundabout.

norte

/NOR-teh//ˈnoɾte/

NounB2Figurative
Use 'norte' metaphorically to refer to a guiding principle, aim, or purpose in life.
A small stylized person stands on a path, looking towards a large, brightly glowing star or beacon positioned prominently on the distant horizon, symbolizing a goal or guiding principle.

Examples

La honestidad es el norte que guía mi vida.

Honesty is the guiding principle that guides my life.

Después de la crisis, la empresa perdió el norte.

After the crisis, the company lost its way/direction.

Necesitamos un norte claro para este proyecto.

We need a clear direction for this project.

Dirección vs. Rumbo vs. Sentido

Learners often confuse 'dirección' and 'rumbo'. Remember that 'dirección' is the most general term for the way to go, while 'rumbo' implies setting a course or heading. 'Sentido' is exclusively for traffic flow.

Related Translations

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