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How to Say "station" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “station” is “estación” — use 'estación' for general transportation hubs like train, bus, or metro stations, and also for broadcast stations (radio/TV) or power plants..

English → Spanish

estación

nounA1general
Use 'estación' for general transportation hubs like train, bus, or metro stations, and also for broadcast stations (radio/TV) or power plants.

Examples

¿Dónde está la estación de tren?

Where is the train station?

parada

/pah-RAH-dah//paˈɾaða/

nounA1general
Use 'parada' for a small, local stop, typically for buses or trams, functioning more like a 'stop' than a full 'station'.
A vibrant illustration of a bus stop sign marked by a simple pole and sign, indicating a public transport halt.

Examples

La parada de autobús está justo aquí al lado.

The bus stop is right next door here.

¿Dónde está la parada de taxis más cercana?

Where is the nearest taxi stand?

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in 'a', remember that this word is feminine, so you always use 'la parada' or 'una parada'.

terminal

tehr-mee-NAHL/teɾmiˈnal/

nounA2general
Use 'terminal' for larger transportation centers, especially bus or train terminals, implying a significant hub or endpoint.
A large, brightly colored articulated bus parked at a covered station platform, clearly indicating a central transport hub where passengers wait.

Examples

Llegamos a la terminal de autobuses una hora antes de la salida.

We arrived at the bus terminal one hour before departure.

La terminal 2 del aeropuerto está muy lejos de aquí.

Airport Terminal 2 is very far from here.

Hay que cambiar de tren en la terminal principal.

You have to change trains at the main station.

Gender Note

Even though 'terminal' ends in -l, it is usually feminine (la terminal) when referring to a transport station in Latin America and Spain.

canal

kah-NAHL/kaˈnal/

nounA1general
Use 'canal' specifically when referring to a TV or radio channel.
A simple, vintage-style television set displaying a bright, colorful cartoon image of a smiling sun on its screen.

Examples

¿En qué canal están dando el partido de fútbol?

What channel is the soccer game on?

Mi canal de noticias favorito es el 5.

My favorite news channel is channel 5.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'canal' is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'El canal nuevo' (The new channel).

central

sen-TRAHL/θenˈtral/

nounB1general
Use 'central' when referring to the main headquarters or central office, often of a bus or train company, or a control center.
A large, imposing, main administrative building with a flagpole in front of it, clearly dominating smaller surrounding buildings, symbolizing a headquarters.

Examples

Llamé a la central para solicitar más información.

I called the headquarters to request more information.

La compañía trasladó su central a la capital.

The company moved its main office to the capital.

Feminine Noun

When used as a noun meaning 'headquarters,' 'central' is always feminine: 'la central'.

Estación vs. Parada/Terminal

Learners often confuse 'estación' with 'parada' and 'terminal'. Remember that 'estación' is the most general term for transportation hubs. Use 'parada' for a simple local stop and 'terminal' for a larger, often final, destination or hub.

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