Spanish Conversation · Level 94
59 words
Spanish word
arroyo
Pronunciation
IPA/aˈroʝo/
Meaning
- masculine nounstream
Example
Los niños juegan cerca del arroyo.
The children play near the stream.
More examples
Pasamos un puente para cruzar el arroyo.
We went over a bridge to cross the stream.
Core concept
A narrow seasonal creek with a shallow, rocky bed.
Common phrases
cerca del arroyo
near the stream
junto al arroyo
next to the stream
a orillas del arroyo
on the banks of the stream
cruzar el arroyo
cross the stream
Similar words
río: Large, wide river with a steady, strong flow over long distances.
riachuelo: Very small, thin, shallow stream commonly found in neighborhoods or woods.
torrente: Sudden, short-lived rush of fast, powerful water after heavy rain.
quebrada: Small mountain stream running through a steep, rocky valley or ravine.
Definition in Spanish
Curso de agua menor que un río, de cauce poco profundo y caudal reducido, frecuente en el campo y susceptible de secarse en temporada seca.
Word origin
Comes from Iberian Romance forms, cognate with Portuguese arroio, and denotes a small, often intermittent watercourse.
Usage tips
- Often seasonal in Spain; descriptions of location typically add whether it carries water (está seco or lleva agua) to avoid misunderstanding.