arroyo
/aˈroʝo/masculine
The Spanish word arroyo means creek which only seasonally flows.
arroyo is a masculine noun used to describe a creek that only flows during certain seasons.
Meaning: creek which only seasonally flows (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some South American countries, such as Colombia and Ecuador, the term quebrada is commonly used to refer to a small watercourse. In certain regions of Spain, particularly in the north, regato is used to describe a small and swiftly flowing stream.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈroʝo/
Did you know?
- The word arroyo comes from the Latin word arrugia, which originally referred to a 'mineshaft' rather than a stream.
- Learners often mistake arroyo for the verb arrollar, which means 'to run over' or 'to flatten'.
- In the Southwestern United States, arroyo has been adopted into English and is used by geologists and locals to describe dry creek beds.
Examples in context
- El sendero cruza la cañada antes de llegar al pueblo.The path crosses the arroyo before reaching the town.
- El arroyo se secó en verano.The creek dried up in summer.
- Caminamos junto al pequeño arroyo.We walked along the small creek.
- Hay un arroyo cerca de la granja.There is a creek near the farm.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are hiking in a dry landscape.
- Sofía¿Dónde está el arroyo?Where is the creek?
- DanielEl arroyo está tras esa colina.The creek is behind that hill.
- SofíaEspero que todavía tenga agua.I hope it still has water.
- DanielSeguro que el arroyo está seco.I am sure the creek is dry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “arroyo” translations and entries arroyo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arroyo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
