metro
/ˈmetɾo/masculine
The Spanish word for subway is metro. Wiktionary also lists subte.
Meaning: underground railway (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| metro | /ˈmetɾo/ | masculine |
| subte | /ˈsubte/ | Argentina, masculine |
The term metro is the most commonly used word for a subway in the Spanish language. In very formal or technical contexts, you may encounter the expression el ferrocarril metropolitano, which translates to the metropolitan railroad.
Which one should you use?
While metro is the standard term used in most Spanish-speaking countries, subte is a specific term used in Argentina.
Is it said differently in some regions?
subte is used specifically in Argentina to refer to the subway.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both metro and subte are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmetɾo/
Did you know?
- The term metro shares a common ancestor with the English word 'meter', as both originate from the Ancient Greek word for 'measure'.
- Because metro also means 'meter' in Spanish, the context of the sentence is the only way to distinguish between a unit of length and a train system.
- Using subte in Spain or Mexico might be understood, but it would immediately mark the speaker as being from Argentina or having lived there.
Examples in context
- Ayer cogí el metro.I took the subway yesterday.This sentence shows how to use metro to say you took the subway.Tatoeba #5046744 by albrusgher, translation #3120541 by CM
- El subte está lleno.The subway is crowded.This sentence shows how to use subte to describe the subway being crowded.Tatoeba #1613123 by hayastan, translation #10065520 by Nylez
- ¿Dónde cojo el metro?Where do I get the subway?This sentence shows how to ask where to catch the metro.Tatoeba #1432567 by Silvestre, translation #38154 by CK
- Disculpe, ¿dónde puedo tomar el metro?Excuse me, where can I catch the subway?
- ¿Sabes cómo llegar al subte?Do you know how to get to the subway?
- 69 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing how to get to the museum.
- MateoPodemos ir en metro para evitar el tráfico.We can go by metro to avoid the traffic.
- Sofía¿El metro llega directo al museo?Does the metro go directly to the museum?
- MateoSí, el metro te deja muy cerca.Yes, the metro leaves you very close.
- SofíaPerfecto, vamos al metro entonces.Perfect, let's go to the metro then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “subway” translations and entries metro, subte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries metro, subte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
