acera
/aˈθeɾa/feminine
The English phrase 'sidewalk' is translated into Spanish as acera. Wiktionary also lists andén and banqueta.
Meaning: paved footpath (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| acera | /aˈθeɾa/ /aˈseɾa/ |
feminine |
| andén | /anˈden/ | masculine |
| banqueta | /banˈketa/ | feminine |
| escarpa | /esˈkaɾpa/ | feminine |
| vereda | /beˈɾeda/ | feminine |
| hacera | /aθeɾa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /aseɾa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
All the terms in this list refer to a paved footpath intended for pedestrians.
Which one should you use?
While andén can refer to a sidewalk, it is most commonly used to refer to a train or subway platform.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, banqueta is the most common term for sidewalk. In several South American countries, such as Colombia and Argentina, vereda is frequently used. In certain regions of Spain, paseo can be used to refer to a sidewalk. The terms acera, escarpa and hacera are also available in the language.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of acera is las aceras. The plural form of andén is los andenes. The plural form of banqueta is las banquetas. The plural form of vereda is las veredas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈθeɾa/
Did you know?
- The word acera is an anatomical metaphor, as it shares the same root as the Latin word for 'face'. It essentially describes the sidewalk as the 'face' of the street.
- While banqueta means 'sidewalk' in Mexico, it is also the common word for a 'small stool' throughout the Spanish language.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the acera functions as a vital social hub where neighbors gather to chat and observe the street, rather than just being a transit route.
Examples in context
- Camina por la acera.Walk on the sidewalk.This sentence is useful for describing walking on the acera.Tatoeba #3967765 by gianich73, translation #12955817 by mexicanhere
- No andes en bici por la acera.Don't ride your bike on the sidewalk.This sentence is useful for advising someone not to ride a bike on the acera.Tatoeba #7923187 by fpp, translation #6703961 by CK
- Encontré una moneda en la acera.I found a coin on the sidewalk.This sentence is useful for describing finding something on the acera.Tatoeba #506774 by Shishir, translation #320522 by CK
- Por favor, no se pare en la acera obstruyendo el paso.Please do not stand on the sidewalk blocking the way.
- La vereda de esta avenida es muy ancha y cómoda.The sidewalk on this avenue is very wide and comfortable.
- ¿Vamos a caminar por la banqueta?Shall we walk on the sidewalk?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are walking through the city.
- SofíaCuidado, la acera está muy mojada.Watch out, the sidewalk is very wet.
- MateoGracias, Sofía, caminaré con cuidado.Thanks, Sofía, I will walk carefully.
- Sofía¿Ves esa grieta en la acera?Do you see that crack in the sidewalk?
- MateoSí, es bastante peligrosa.Yes, it is quite dangerous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sidewalk” translations and entries acera, andén, banqueta, escarpa, vereda, hacera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acera, andén, banqueta, escarpa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
