Inklingo

How to Say "runway" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pista

PEES-tahˈpis.ta

NounB2general
Use 'pista' when referring to the strip of land at an airport where airplanes take off and land.
A long, gray concrete runway stretching into the distance, with a small commercial airplane taking off.

Examples

El avión despegó de la pista principal.

The plane took off from the main runway.

El avión aterrizó suavemente en la pista.

The plane landed smoothly on the runway.

Debido a la niebla, la pista de aterrizaje está cerrada.

Due to the fog, the landing strip is closed.

pasarela

pah-sah-REH-lahpasaˈɾela

NounB1fashion, general
Use 'pasarela' for the elevated stage or platform used by fashion models to display clothing.
A model walking down a long, bright runway at a fashion show.

Examples

La diseñadora presentó su nueva colección en la pasarela.

The designer presented her new collection on the runway.

La modelo desfila por la pasarela con un vestido rojo.

The model walks down the catwalk in a red dress.

Milán es famosa por sus pasarelas de alta costura.

Milan is famous for its high-fashion runways.

Los diseñadores nerviosos esperan tras la pasarela.

The nervous designers wait behind the runway.

Using 'La'

This is a feminine word, so always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Desfilar vs. Caminar

While 'caminar' means to walk, when talking about a catwalk, we usually use 'desfilar' (to parade or model).

Runway vs. Pasarela

Mistake:Using 'pasarela' for an airplane's takeoff strip.

Correction: Use 'pista' for airport runways where planes land; 'pasarela' is for people walking.

Airport vs. Fashion

The most common mistake is using 'pasarela' for an airport runway. Remember, 'pista' is for planes and 'pasarela' is for models.

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