How to Say "riverbed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “riverbed” is “cauce” — use 'cauce' to refer to the physical channel or course where a river normally flows, especially when emphasizing the natural path of the water.
cauce
KOW-sehˈkawse
Examples
El cauce seco del río es ahora un camino polvoriento.
The dry riverbed is now a dusty path.
Las piedras en el cauce del río son muy suaves.
The stones in the riverbed are very smooth.
El río se salió de su cauce tras la tormenta.
The river overflowed its bed after the storm.
Es necesario limpiar el cauce para evitar inundaciones.
It is necessary to clean the channel to prevent floods.
Gender Alert
Even though it ends in 'e', 'cauce' is a masculine noun. You must use 'el' or 'un' with it.
Plural Form
To make it plural, just add an 's' at the end: 'los cauces'.
The 'Cause' Confusion
Mistake: “Using 'cauce' to mean 'the reason for something' (because of English).”
Correction: Use 'causa' for 'reason' or 'cause.' 'Cauce' is only for riverbeds or metaphorical channels.
cama
kah-mahˈka.ma
Examples
Los arqueólogos encontraron artefactos en la cama del río.
The archaeologists found artifacts in the riverbed.
Pusimos las herramientas en la cama de la camioneta.
We put the tools in the bed of the truck.
El chef preparó el salmón sobre una cama de espinacas.
The chef prepared the salmon on a bed of spinach.
Debido a la sequía, se puede ver la cama del río.
Due to the drought, you can see the riverbed.
Cauce vs. Cama
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