How to Say "gangway" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “gangway” is “pasarela” — use 'pasarela' for a bridge-like structure used for boarding ships or planes, or metaphorically for a walkway.
pasarela
pah-sah-REH-lahpasaˈɾela
Examples
Los pasajeros caminaron por la pasarela para abordar el avión.
The passengers walked across the boarding bridge to board the plane.
Cruza la pasarela para pasar al otro lado de la calle.
Cross the footbridge to get to the other side of the street.
Los pasajeros suben al avión por la pasarela.
Passengers board the plane via the gangway.
Hay una pasarela de madera sobre las dunas de la playa.
There is a wooden walkway over the beach dunes.
Bridge Size
Use 'pasarela' for small bridges meant only for people. Use 'puente' for larger structures that cars can use.
Confusing with Puente
Mistake: “Calling a highway bridge for cars a 'pasarela'.”
Correction: A 'pasarela' is specifically for foot traffic or narrow access.
pasillo
pah-SEE-yopaˈsiʝo
Examples
El azafato caminaba por el pasillo del avión ofreciendo bebidas.
The flight attendant walked down the aisle of the plane offering drinks.
¿Prefieres asiento de pasillo o de ventanilla en el avión?
Do you prefer an aisle seat or a window seat on the plane?
El pasillo de las verduras está justo a la derecha.
The produce aisle is just to the right.
Por favor, no bloqueen el pasillo con sus carritos.
Please, do not block the aisle with your carts.
Using 'de' for Location
When talking about specific areas in a store, you often use 'pasillo de' followed by the product: 'el pasillo de los refrescos' (the soda aisle).
escala
es-KAH-lahesˈka.la
Examples
El capitán ordenó bajar la escala para que los visitantes pudieran subir.
The captain ordered the gangway to be lowered so visitors could come aboard.
El marinero subió por la escala del barco.
The sailor climbed up the ship's ladder/gangway.
Practicamos la escala de do mayor en clase de música.
We practiced the C major scale in music class.
Escala vs. Escalera
While both mean 'ladder' or 'stairs,' 'escalera' is the common word for a staircase or a portable ladder. 'Escala' often refers to a fixed ladder, like on a ship or in technical drawings.
Internal vs. External Access
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