sur
neutral, Mexico
In Mexico south is sur. It is used for the direction on maps and in phrases such as al sur de la ciudad, meaning "south of the city".
Mexicans give directions with norte, sur, este and oeste, and also use el sur for the southern part of the country. Chiapas, Oaxaca and Yucatán are often described as being in el sureste.
Meaning: compass direction (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective is sureño, as in clima sureño. The direction itself does not change form.
Did you know?
- Mexico's southern states border Guatemala and Belize, so people in the area often talk about la frontera sur.
Examples in context
- Vivo en el sur de la ciudad.I live in the south of the city.
- Vamos hacia el sur.We are heading south.
- Chiapas está en el sureste.Chiapas is in the southeast.
Example conversation
A driver asks a gas station attendant for directions near Puebla.
- ConductorDisculpe, ¿para ir a Oaxaca?Excuse me, how do I get to Oaxaca?
- EmpleadoSiga hacia el sur por la autopista.Keep going south on the highway.
- ConductorGracias, buen día.Thank you, have a good day.
