pasarela
/pasaˈɾela/
The English phrase 'walkway' is translated into Spanish as pasarela.
pasarela is used to refer to a footbridge or a walkway, often describing elevated structures designed for pedestrians. If you are referring to a general pedestrian path in public areas or parks, you might use Camino peatonal. To emphasize that an area is intended exclusively for people walking, the term Vía peatonal can be used.
Meaning: clearly defined path (noun)
Which one should you use?
While pasarela often implies an elevated walkway or a bridge, Camino peatonal is used for designated pedestrian paths in public spaces and Vía peatonal is used specifically to highlight areas reserved for pedestrians. For a more affectionate or informal tone regarding a small path, you can use the diminutive caminito.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, banqueta is the common term for a sidewalk or a paved area next to a street. In Spain and certain parts of Latin America, sendero is used to describe a hiking trail or a footpath located in natural environments.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is pasarelas.
How do you pronounce it?
/pasaˈɾela/
Did you know?
- In the fashion world, a 'catwalk' is called a pasarela. This reflects the idea of the runway as an elevated walkway for models.
- In some nautical contexts, a pasarela refers specifically to the gangway used to board or leave a ship.
- The word pasarela shares its roots with the Italian word passerella, both of which describe a small structure intended for passing through or over.
Examples in context
- Por favor, manténgase en el camino peatonal designado.Please stay on the designated pedestrian path
- La pasarela proporciona un camino seguro sobre la transitada carretera.The footbridge provides a safe walkway over the busy road
- El complejo comercial cuenta con una vía peatonal exclusiva.The shopping complex has a dedicated pedestrian pathway
- Ten cuidado con la gente que camina por el pasillo.Watch out for people walking down the aisle
- Vamos a pasear por el caminito junto al río.Let's take a stroll along the little path by the river
- La pasarela de la moda es muy larga.The fashion catwalk is very long.
- La pasarela de madera es muy larga.The wooden walkway is very long.
- La pasarela está sobre el río.The walkway is over the river.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are hiking in a nature reserve.
- María¿Por dónde vamos ahora?Where do we go now?
- DanielUsa la pasarela de metal.Use the metal walkway.
- MaríaAh, la veo allí.Ah, I see it there.
- DanielSí, es un camino muy seguro.Yes, it is a very safe path.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pasarela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pasarela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
