Inklingo

How to Say "flow" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “flow” is “flujo” — use this for a continuous, often regulated movement of liquids, gases, electricity, or traffic.

flujo🔊A2

Use this for a continuous, often regulated movement of liquids, gases, electricity, or traffic.

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corriente🔊A2

This refers to the general movement of something, especially water or air, in a particular direction.

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circulaciónA2

Use this primarily for the movement of people or vehicles in an area, like traffic, or for air and liquids in a system.

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curso🔊B1

This describes the path or direction of a flow, especially of water, but can also refer to the progression of events.

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caudal🔊B2

This specifically refers to the volume or rate of flow of a liquid, most commonly in a river or pipe.

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corra🔊B1

This is the verb form meaning 'to flow' for liquids or gases, like 'water flows' or 'air flows'.

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ríoA1

While 'río' literally means 'river', it can be used figuratively to describe a continuous flow or abundance of something.

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English → Spanish

flujo

FLOO-hohˈflu.xo

nounA2General
Use this for a continuous, often regulated movement of liquids, gases, electricity, or traffic.
A vibrant blue stream of water flowing smoothly and continuously across a green, grassy landscape.

Examples

El flujo de tráfico se detuvo por el accidente.

The flow of traffic stopped because of the accident.

Hay un buen flujo de información entre los departamentos.

There is a good flow of information between the departments.

Revisa el flujo de la corriente eléctrica.

Check the flow of the electrical current.

Always Masculine

Remember that 'flujo' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' (the) and masculine adjectives with it.

Confusing with 'fluido'

Mistake: “El fluido de agua (The fluid of water)”

Correction: El flujo de agua (The flow of water). 'Fluido' means 'fluid' (the substance), while 'flujo' means 'flow' (the movement).

corriente

koh-rree-EN-tehkoˈrjente

nounA2General
This refers to the general movement of something, especially water or air, in a particular direction.
A depiction of a strong, fast-moving blue river current flowing around a bend in a natural landscape.

Examples

La corriente del río arrastró la canoa.

The river current swept the canoe away.

Cierra la ventana, por favor; hay mucha corriente de aire.

Close the window, please; there is a strong draft.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in '-e', 'corriente' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it.

circulación

nounA2General
Use this primarily for the movement of people or vehicles in an area, like traffic, or for air and liquids in a system.

Examples

Hay mucha circulación en el centro de la ciudad hoy.

There is a lot of traffic in the city center today.

curso

KOOR-sohˈkuɾso

nounB1General
This describes the path or direction of a flow, especially of water, but can also refer to the progression of events.
A serene illustration of a winding blue river flowing steadily through a green valley with small, rolling hills, depicting the continuous movement of water.

Examples

El curso del río se desvió por la sequía.

The flow/course of the river was diverted due to the drought.

Hay que dejar que los acontecimientos sigan su curso natural.

We must let events follow their natural course.

caudal

kow-DAHLkawˈdal

nounB2Technical/General
This specifically refers to the volume or rate of flow of a liquid, most commonly in a river or pipe.
A wide, powerful river flowing steadily through a lush green valley.

Examples

Después de la tormenta, el caudal del río aumentó peligrosamente.

After the storm, the river's flow increased dangerously.

Este grifo tiene muy poco caudal de agua.

This tap has a very low water flow.

Es necesario medir el caudal para evitar inundaciones.

It is necessary to measure the volume of flow to avoid floods.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'l', it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Confusing flow with the river itself

Mistake: “El caudal es muy largo.”

Correction: El río es muy largo (o) El caudal es muy grande.

corra

KOH-rrahˈko.ra

verbB1General
This is the verb form meaning 'to flow' for liquids or gases, like 'water flows' or 'air flows'.
A cheerful person running quickly across a green grassy field with a blue sky in the background.

Examples

Espero que el agua corra libremente por el desagüe.

I hope the water flows freely through the drain.

Espero que ella corra en el parque hoy.

I hope she runs in the park today.

No creo que el agua corra por aquí.

I don't think the water flows through here.

¡Por favor, corra!

Please, run! (to a person you address formally)

The 'Switch' Rule

For verbs ending in -ER (like correr), the 'special forms' used for wishes or polite commands switch their ending to -A. That's why 'corre' becomes 'corra'.

Confusing 'Corre' and 'Corra'

Mistake: “Using 'corre' when talking to a boss or stranger.”

Correction: Use 'corra' for formal situations (Usted) and 'corre' for friends (Tú).

río

nounA1Figurative
While 'río' literally means 'river', it can be used figuratively to describe a continuous flow or abundance of something.

Examples

Un río de gente inundó la plaza.

A flow of people flooded the square.

Noun vs. Verb 'Flow'

Learners often confuse the noun 'flujo' or 'corriente' with the verb 'corra'. Remember that 'corra' is the verb 'to flow', while the others are nouns referring to the movement itself.

Related Translations

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