cruce
/ˈkɾuθe/
The Spanish word for road junction is cruce.
Cruce is a general term used for any point where paths or roads intersect, including pedestrian crossings. You can also use cruce de caminos to specifically refer to a junction where roads meet. If you are referring specifically to a circular intersection or a roundabout, use rotonda.
What does it mean word for word?
Cruce means crossing and is derived from the verb cruzar, which means to cross.
Which one should you use?
Cruce de caminos specifically describes a junction of roads or a crossroads. Rotonda is used specifically for a roundabout.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾuθe/
Did you know?
- A pedestrian crossing is called a paso de cebra because the white stripes resemble the pattern of a zebra.
- The word cruce can also be used in a non-physical sense to describe a 'mix' or 'blend' of two different things, such as a 'cruce de estilos' meaning a blend of styles.
- The word cruce shares the same root as cruz, meaning 'cross'. This connects the physical layout of a road junction to the geometric shape of a Christian cross.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde está la intersección vial más cercana?Where is the nearest road junction?
- Oye, ¿dónde está la rotonda por aquí?Hey, where's the roundabout around here?
- Gira a la derecha en el próximo cruce de carreterasTurn right at the next road junction
- Toma la primera salida en la rotondaTake the first exit at the roundabout
- El coche se detuvo en el cruce.The car stopped at the junction.
- Hay un cruce peligroso cerca de aquí.There is a dangerous junction near here.
- Dobla a la derecha en el próximo cruce.Turn right at the next junction.
Example conversation
María and Javier are driving to a new restaurant.
- María¿Debo girar en este cruce?Should I turn at this junction?
- JavierNo, sigue recto en el cruce.No, go straight through the junction.
- MaríaEstá bien, ya lo veo.Okay, I see it now.
- JavierPerfecto, María, vas muy bien.Perfect, Maria, you are doing very well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cruce, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cruce, CC BY-SA 4.0.
