estrecho
/esˈtɾet͡ʃo/
The English word narrow is translated into Spanish as estrecho. Wiktionary also lists angosto.
Meaning: having small width (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| estrecho | /esˈtɾet͡ʃo/ |
| angosto | /anˈɡosto/ |
The adjective is used to describe something that has a small width. Related verbs include estrecharse, which means to get narrower and both estrechar and angostar, which mean to reduce in width or extent.
Which one should you use?
estrecho is the more common and standard term for narrow across the Spanish-speaking world, whereas angosto is also used to describe narrow spaces or paths.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word angosto is frequently used in many parts of Latin America.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈtɾetʃo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb estrechar is used to mean 'to hug' or 'to embrace' someone. It comes from the idea of bringing two people closer together into a tight space.
- The word estrecho is a direct relative of the English word 'strict'. Both words descend from the same Latin root meaning 'drawn tight'.
- In Spanish, the phrase un estrecho vínculo is a very common way to describe a 'close bond' between people. It implies the relationship is tight and strong rather than just physically thin.
Examples in context
- Es angosto e incómodo.It's narrow and uncomfortable.This sentence is useful for describing something that is angosto.Tatoeba #7929969 by Seael, translation #11712064 by Luornu
- Es pequeñísimo y angosto.It's very small and narrow.Tatoeba #1523853 by marcelostockle, translation #1523846 by CM
- Pasamos por un camino estrecho.We went along a narrow road.This sentence is useful for describing a road that is estrecho.Tatoeba #2270046 by Shishir, translation #2270045 by _undertoad
- una calle estrechaa narrow street
- una cintura estrechaa narrow waist
- una puerta angostitaa teeny-tiny door
- La carretera era tan estrecha que solo pasaba un coche a la vez.The road was so narrow that only one car could pass at a time.
- El río se estrecha en el cañón, creando un paisaje impresionante.The river narrows in the canyon, creating a breathtaking landscape.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are standing in front of a small hallway in a new house.
- LucíaEste pasillo es muy estrecho.This hallway is very narrow.
- MateoEs cierto, es bastante estrecho.It's true, it is quite narrow.
- Lucía¿Podemos pasar con los muebles?Can we pass through with the furniture?
- MateoNo lo creo, es demasiado estrecho.I don't think so, it is too narrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “narrow” translations and entries estrecho, angosto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries angosto, estrecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
