Inklingo

How to Say "environs" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alrededores

al-reh-deh-DOH-rehsalreðeˈðoɾes

nounB1slightly more formal
Use 'alrededores' when referring to the general area or surroundings of a specific place, often implying a pleasant or natural setting.
A small cozy cottage in the center of a landscape with rolling green hills, a winding stream, and colorful trees.

Examples

Me gusta caminar por los alrededores del lago.

I like to walk around the surroundings of the lake.

Vivimos en los alrededores de Madrid.

We live on the outskirts of Madrid.

Hay muchos castillos antiguos en los alrededores.

There are many old castles in the surrounding area.

Always Plural

Even though 'surroundings' can sometimes feel like a single area, in Spanish we almost always use this word in its plural form: 'los alrededores'.

Alrededor vs. Alrededores

Mistake: “Using 'el alrededor' to mean 'the area around'.”

Correction: Use 'los alrededores' for the noun (the area). Use 'alrededor' without the 'es' when you want to say 'around' as a direction, like 'mirar alrededor' (to look around).

contorno

kon-TOR-nokonˈtoɾno

nounB1general
Use 'contorno' to describe the surrounding district or outskirts, often in a more geographical or administrative sense.
A small cozy house in the center with green trees and hills encircling it.

Examples

Vive en los contornos de Madrid.

He lives in the outskirts of Madrid.

Exploramos los bellos contornos del lago.

We explored the beautiful surroundings of the lake.

La policía buscó por todos los contornos de la escena.

The police searched all the surrounding areas of the scene.

Plural for Places

When talking about 'surroundings', it is very common to use the plural form 'los contornos'.

Alrededores vs. Contorno

Learners often confuse 'alrededores' and 'contorno'. While both refer to surrounding areas, 'alrededores' is more common for natural or pleasant surroundings, whereas 'contorno' leans towards the geographical district or outskirts.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.