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How to Say "flow" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “flow” is “flujo” — use 'flujo' for continuous, often measurable movement of liquids, electricity, traffic, or even abstract concepts like information..

English → Spanish

flujo

FLOO-hoh/ˈflu.xo/

nounA2general
Use 'flujo' for continuous, often measurable movement of liquids, electricity, traffic, or even abstract concepts like information.
A vibrant blue stream of water flowing smoothly and continuously across a green, grassy landscape.

Examples

El flujo de turistas aumentó este verano.

The flow of tourists increased this summer.

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-teh/koˈrjente/

nounA2general
Use 'corriente' specifically for the movement of water or air, like a river current or an electrical current.
A depiction of a strong, fast-moving blue river current flowing around a bend in a natural landscape.

Examples

La corriente del mar es muy fuerte hoy.

The sea current is very strong today.

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.

curso

KOOR-soh/ˈkuɾso/

nounB1general
Use 'curso' to describe the path or direction of a river, or 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 cambia con las estaciones.

The flow/course of the river changes with the seasons.

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.

corra

KOH-rrah/ˈko.ra/

verbB1general
Use 'corra' (from the verb 'correr') when 'flow' is used figuratively to mean 'move quickly' or 'run', often for people or animals.
A cheerful person running quickly across a green grassy field with a blue sky in the background.

Examples

El agua debe corra libremente por las tuberías.

The water should flow freely through the pipes.

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 in Spanish to describe a continuous, abundant flow of something, similar to 'a river of tears'. This usage is less common for general 'flow'.

Examples

Se sintió un río de emociones al escuchar la noticia.

A flow of emotions was felt upon hearing the news.

Flujo vs. Corriente

Learners often confuse 'flujo' and 'corriente'. Remember that 'flujo' is more general for movement (traffic, electricity), while 'corriente' is specific to the movement of water or air.

Related Translations

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