How to Say "lane" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “lane” is “carril” — use 'carril' when referring to a marked section of a road for a single line of vehicles, or a lane on a swimming pool or athletics track.
carril
kah-REELkaˈril
Examples
Los coches deben permanecer dentro de su carril.
Cars must stay within their lane.
Tienes que conducir por el carril derecho.
You have to drive in the right lane.
El carril bici es muy seguro en esta ciudad.
The bike lane is very safe in this city.
No puedes cambiar de carril sin poner el intermitente.
You cannot change lanes without using your turn signal.
Masculine Gender
This word is always masculine. Remember to use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el carril' or 'un carril'.
Using 'por' with carril
When talking about moving within a lane, use the word 'por' (through/along), as in 'ir por el carril'.
Specific Parts
While 'vía' refers to the whole train track system, 'carril' refers specifically to the individual metal bars.
Carril vs. Calle
Mistake: “Vivo en un carril muy estrecho.”
Correction: Vivo en una calle muy estrecha.
Swimming lanes
Mistake: “Estoy en el camino 5.”
Correction: Estoy en el carril 5.
calle
KAH-yehˈka.ʝe
Examples
Mi apartamento está en la calle del Sol.
My apartment is on Sun Street.
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
Examples
La vía principal está congestionada.
The main lane is congested.
callejón
Examples
Encontramos un atajo por el callejón.
We found a shortcut through the alley.
Street vs. Road Lane
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