calle
Lemma Details
Translation: street; road; lane; way
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'callis' meaning 'path' or 'track', particularly referring to narrow footpaths or trails. The word evolved in Spanish to refer to urban streets. The English word 'calle' used in some southwestern US cities with Spanish heritage is a direct borrowing from Spanish.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'calling' someone to meet you on the street.
- Imagine a street as a 'corridor' or 'gallery' (similar sounds to 'calle').
- Picture a street filled with people 'calling' to each other.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, streets (calles) are often named after historical figures or important dates. The word 'calle' appears on street signs throughout Spanish-speaking countries, and addresses typically begin with 'Calle' followed by the street name. In many Latin American cities, streets are organized in a grid pattern with calles running in one direction and carreras or avenidas in the other.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'calle' means 'street', 'valle' means 'valley'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
El pueblo está situado en un valle hermoso.
The town is located in a beautiful valley.
Notes: The pronunciation differs slightly: 'calle' is [ˈkaʎe] while 'valle' is [ˈbaʎe].
Mnemonic: 'Calle' has a 'C' for 'city streets', while 'valle' has a 'V' for 'valley'.
Explanation: 'Calle' is a noun meaning 'street', while 'callar' is a verb meaning 'to be quiet' or 'to silence'.
Notes: The imperative form of 'callar' is 'calla' (singular) or 'callad' (plural), which can sound similar to 'calle'.
Mnemonic: Think: 'In the street (calle), someone tells you to be quiet (callar)'.