Inklingo

How to Say "path" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “path” is “camino” — use 'camino' for a general physical path, road, or way, especially an unpaved one like a trail or country road..

camino🔊A1

Use 'camino' for a general physical path, road, or way, especially an unpaved one like a trail or country road.

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ruta🔊A1

Use 'ruta' for a defined route, trail, or planned course, often in the context of travel, navigation, or a career path.

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sendero🔊B1

Choose 'sendero' for a narrow path or trail, typically for walking, especially in natural settings like forests or parks.

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curso🔊B1

Use 'curso' to describe the direction or flow of something, like water or a process, or metaphorically for a course of action.

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rumbo🔊B1

Use 'rumbo' for a figurative direction or purpose in life, career, or a project, indicating a sense of heading towards a goal.

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órbitaB1

Use 'órbita' specifically for a circular path or trajectory, most commonly referring to celestial bodies or satellites.

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English → Spanish

camino

/ka-MEE-no//kaˈmino/

nounA1general
Use 'camino' for a general physical path, road, or way, especially an unpaved one like a trail or country road.
A single, slightly winding dirt path leading through a vibrant green meadow under a clear blue sky.

Examples

El camino a la playa es muy bonito.

The path/road to the beach is very pretty.

Sigue este camino de tierra para llegar al río.

Follow this dirt path to get to the river.

Estamos a medio camino de nuestro destino.

We are halfway to our destination.

Always Masculine: 'El Camino'

In Spanish, all things are either 'masculine' or 'feminine'. Camino is masculine, so you'll always use el (the) or un (a/an) with it. For example, el camino largo (the long road).

ruta

ROO-tah/ˈruta/

nounA1general
Use 'ruta' for a defined route, trail, or planned course, often in the context of travel, navigation, or a career path.
A winding dirt road stretching over green hills. A bright red dashed line is superimposed on the road, indicating a physical route from the foreground to the background.

Examples

Perdimos la ruta y tuvimos que usar el GPS.

We lost the route and had to use the GPS.

Esta es la ruta más rápida para llegar al aeropuerto.

This is the fastest route to get to the airport.

La ruta de autobús número cinco pasa por el centro.

Bus route number five goes through downtown.

Su ruta profesional cambió después de la universidad.

His career path changed after university.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'ruta' ends in -a, remember it is always feminine: 'la ruta' (the route).

sendero

/sen-DEH-roh//senˈdeɾo/

nounB1general
Choose 'sendero' for a narrow path or trail, typically for walking, especially in natural settings like forests or parks.
A narrow dirt path winding through a lush green forest.

Examples

Caminamos por un sendero estrecho en el bosque.

We walked along a narrow path in the forest.

El sendero sube hasta la cima de la montaña.

The trail goes up to the top of the mountain.

Ella decidió seguir el sendero de la justicia.

She decided to follow the path of justice.

A veces el sendero de la vida es difícil.

Sometimes the path of life is difficult.

Using 'El'

Since 'sendero' ends in 'o', it is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Abstract Meanings

When used figuratively, this word doesn't change its form; it just describes a journey through life instead of a physical walk.

Sendero vs. Camino

Mistake: “Using 'camino' for a tiny hiking trail.”

Correction: Use 'sendero' for narrow paths in nature and 'camino' for more general roads or paths.

curso

KOOR-soh/ˈkuɾso/

nounB1general
Use 'curso' to describe the direction or flow of something, like water or a process, or metaphorically for a course of action.
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 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.

rumbo

/rrohm-boh//ˈrumbo/

nounB1general
Use 'rumbo' for a figurative direction or purpose in life, career, or a project, indicating a sense of heading towards a goal.
A solitary person stands at the beginning of a winding dirt path that leads up a hill towards a brightly lit forest, representing a life path.

Examples

Después de graduarme, sentí que mi vida no tenía rumbo.

After graduating, I felt that my life had no direction (or purpose).

La empresa necesita definir un nuevo rumbo estratégico.

The company needs to define a new strategic course (or way forward).

Decidió dar un nuevo rumbo a su carrera profesional.

She decided to give a new direction to her professional career.

Abstract Use

When used figuratively, 'rumbo' often appears with verbs like 'tener' (to have) or 'dar' (to give) to discuss purpose or change of direction in abstract concepts like careers or organizations.

órbita

nounB1technical
Use 'órbita' specifically for a circular path or trajectory, most commonly referring to celestial bodies or satellites.

Examples

El satélite artificial ha entrado en órbita y ahora da vueltas a la Tierra.

The artificial satellite has entered orbit and is now circling the Earth.

Physical Path vs. Figurative Direction

Learners often confuse 'camino' and 'ruta' for physical paths. 'Camino' is more general, while 'ruta' implies a more specific, planned route. Be careful not to use physical path words like 'camino' or 'sendero' for abstract concepts like life direction, where 'rumbo' or 'curso' are more appropriate.

Related Translations

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