Spanish word

riachuelo

Pronunciation

IPA/rjaˈtʃwelo/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncreek

Example

Hay un riachuelo detrás de la casa.

There is a creek behind the house.

Illustration for riachuelo (creek)

More examples

Vimos peces en el riachuelo esta mañana.

We saw fish in the creek this morning.

Core concept

Shallow narrow watercourse winding through a meadow.

Common phrases

  • cruzar el riachuelo

    cross the creek

  • a la orilla del riachuelo

    on the bank of the creek

  • caminar junto al riachuelo

    walk beside the creek

Similar words

arroyo: Shallow, narrow natural stream that often flows only seasonally or after rain.
río: Large natural watercourse that carries a steady, substantial flow and depth.
canal: Man-made channel that carries water for irrigation, navigation, or drainage.

Definition in Spanish

Corriente de agua pequeña y poco profunda, más estrecha que un río y habitual en zonas naturales.

Word origin

From Latin rivus 'stream' plus the Spanish diminutive suffix -uelo, originally meaning a small stream.

Usage tips

  • Often used in landscape descriptions, and in many regions arroyo or riacho are preferred, so match local vocabulary when giving directions or describing nature.

Other meanings

  • streamnoun

Word lists with this word