Spanish Conversation · Level 170
15 words
Spanish word
alcantarillado
Pronunciation
IPA/alkantaɾiˈʝaðo/
Meaning
- masculine nounsewer system
Example
En mi barrio, el alcantarillado está viejo.
In my neighborhood, the sewer system is old.
More examples
Tras la lluvia intensa hubo un atasco en el alcantarillado.
After heavy rain there was a sewer blockage.
Core concept
Citywide network of underground sewer pipes and storm drains.
Common phrases
atasco en el alcantarillado
sewer blockage
olor a alcantarillado
odor of sewage
rotura del alcantarillado
sewer line break
Similar words
alcantarilla: Grated or covered pavement opening that lets rainwater enter the underground drains.
sistema de alcantarillado: Integrated arrangement of pipes and related infrastructure that moves wastewater toward treatment.
Definition in Spanish
Sistema de tuberías y conductos urbanos diseñado para recoger y transportar aguas residuales y pluviales desde las calles hasta puntos de descarga o de tratamiento.
Word origin
The word comes from alcantarilla (from Arabic al-qanṭarah 'bridge') plus the collective suffix -ado and names the system of pipes and channels that carry wastewater and rainwater.
Usage tips
- Spanish often treats alcantarillado as a singular collective (el alcantarillado está viejo) when referring to the whole municipal system.
Other meanings
- drainage facilitiesnoun
Related words
- alcantarillamanholenoun