How to Say "lanes" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “lanes” is “vías” — use 'vías' when referring to the actual road or tracks that vehicles, especially trains, travel on..
vías
Examples
Los coches circulaban por las vías de la autopista.
The cars were traveling on the lanes of the highway.
pistas
/PEES-tas//ˈpistas/
Examples
Los nadadores se preparan en sus pistas.
The swimmers prepare in their lanes.
Las pistas de tenis están recién pintadas.
The tennis courts are newly painted.
El avión espera la autorización para usar las pistas de aterrizaje.
The plane is waiting for clearance to use the runways.
Context is Key
When you hear 'pistas', look at the surrounding words. If they mention sports or travel, it likely means a physical track or lane. If they mention mysteries or questions, it means 'clues'.
Mixing up 'Pistas' and 'Caminos'
Mistake: “Using 'pistas' for a general hiking path.”
Correction: Use 'sendero' or 'camino' for a general path. 'Pista' implies a specially prepared or marked surface (like a running track or a ski slope).
Vías vs. Pistas
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