vías del tren
/bias del tɾen/from spelling rules
The English phrase "train tracks" is translated into Spanish as vías del tren.
This phrase refers to the set of parallel steel rails that a train travels on.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vías del tren is composed of vías (tracks or routes), del (of the) and tren (train), literally meaning "tracks of the train."
Which one should you use?
While vías del tren refers to the whole track system, the word rieles refers specifically to the steel rails themselves. You can also use rieles del tren to mean "train rails" or "train track rails."
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single track, use the singular form la vía del tren.
How do you pronounce it?
/bias del tɾen/
Did you know?
- The word vía also describes the 'Milky Way' galaxy in Spanish, which is called vía láctea.
- In Spain, the word vía is used to identify the specific platform at a station, such as vía 4 for 'platform 4'.
- While vías is standard in Spain, speakers in some Latin American countries frequently use rieles to describe the entire track system.
Examples in context
- El tren pasa por las vías del tren.The train passes through the train tracks.
- Las vías del tren atraviesan el campo.The train tracks cross the field.
- Cuidado con las vías del tren.Watch out for the train tracks.
- El trabajador reparó las vías del tren.The worker repaired the train tracks.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are standing near a railway station.
- ElenaMira, el tren viene por las vías del tren.Look, the train is coming along the train tracks.
- DanielSí, ya lo veo acercándose.Yes, I see it approaching now.
- ElenaAléjate de las vías del tren, Daniel.Stay away from the train tracks, Daniel.
- DanielTienes razón, voy a retroceder.You're right, I'll step back.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
