Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| barra | /ˈbara/ | feminine |
| barandilla | /baɾanˈdiʝa/ | feminine |
The translation depends on whether you are describing a physical bar or a protective structure. Use barra for a single, solid or straight bar, such as a metal bar. Use barandilla for a railing used for support or safety, such as those found on a balcony, staircase or bridge.
Which one should you use?
Use barra when referring to a single, solid or straight bar like a metal bar or a bar of soap. In contrast, use barandilla when referring specifically to a protective railing used for support or safety on a balcony, staircase or bridge.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, rail is commonly referred to as riel. In Spain, people may refer to rail as vía del tren.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of barra is barras, and the plural form of barandilla is barandillas.
Did you know?
- While barra refers to a rail, it is also the standard term used in Spanish for a 'counter' at a cafe or pub.
- The word barra is a linguistic cousin to the English 'bar', as both share the same common ancestor in Vulgar Latin.
- The term barra is also used in Spanish to describe a 'bar' of chocolate or a 'bar' of gold.
Examples in context
- ¿Vamos en tren o en autobús?Shall we go by train or by bus?
- Me gusta ver pasar los trenes por los rieles.I enjoy watching the trains pass by the rails.
- La barandilla es de metal.The railing is made of metal.
- La barra de la cortina es de madera.The curtain rail is made of wood.
- Sujétate de la barra para no caer.Hold onto the bar so you don't fall.
- La barra de metal está muy fría.The metal bar is very cold.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are installing a handrail in a hallway.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿está derecha la barra?Daniel, is the rail straight?
- DanielSí, Lucía, parece que sí.Yes, Lucía, it seems so.
- LucíaEntonces, aprieta los tornillos de la barra.Then, tighten the screws of the rail.
- DanielDe acuerdo, ya quedó fija.Alright, it is now fixed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rail” translations and entries barra, barandilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barandilla, barra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
