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How to Say "lane" in Spanish

English → Spanish

calle

/KAH-yeh//ˈka.ʝe/

nounA1general
Use 'calle' for a general street, especially a narrow one, or when referring to a named street like 'Main Street'.
A colorful, simple illustration of a narrow city street lined with small, vibrant buildings under a clear sky.

Examples

Mi casa está en la calle Principal.

My house is on Main Street.

Hay mucho tráfico en esta calle.

There is a lot of traffic on this street.

Los niños están jugando en la calle.

The children are playing in the street.

Always 'la calle'

Even though it ends in '-e', 'calle' is a feminine word. So, you always say 'la calle' (the street) or 'una calle' (a street).

'Calle' vs. 'Carretera'

Mistake: “Conduzco por la calle para ir a la otra ciudad.”

Correction: Use 'calle' for roads inside a town or city. For bigger roads connecting different towns, use 'carretera' (highway). Correct: 'Conduzco por la carretera para ir a la otra ciudad.'

vía

nounA1general
Use 'vía' when referring to a specific traffic lane on a road, highway, or access route.

Examples

La vía de acceso a la ciudad está cerrada.

The access road to the city is closed.

callejón

nounB1general
Use 'callejón' for a very narrow alley or passage, often between buildings or in a back area.

Examples

El niño perdió su pelota en el callejón detrás de la tienda.

The boy lost his ball in the alley behind the store.

Street vs. Traffic Lane

Learners often confuse 'calle' (street) with 'vía' (traffic lane). Remember that 'calle' is a general term for a street, while 'vía' specifically denotes a lane designated for vehicles to travel in.

Related Translations

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