Acera vs. vereda vs. banqueta
The Spanish words 'acera', 'vereda', and 'banqueta' all refer to what in English is known as a 'sidewalk' or 'pavement'. However, these words can be used differently depending on the regional dialect and context.
Acera
This term is broadly used in Spain and in some countries in Latin America. It refers to a walkway for pedestrians typically paved beside a street.
Me gusta caminar por la acera en las mañanas.
(I like to walk on the sidewalk in the morning.)
Deja de jugar en la acera y juega en el parque.
(Stop playing on the sidewalk and play in the park.)
Vereda
While it can also refer to a sidewalk, 'vereda' is more commonly used in Latin America, especially Argentina and Uruguay. Additionally, it carries implications of being rural or country paths between fields.
La casa de la abuela estaba al final de la vereda.
(Grandma's house was at the end of the path.)
La vereda está llena de piedras, hay que tener cuidado al caminar.
(The sidewalk is full of stones, you have to be careful when walking.)
Banqueta
'Banqueta' is predominantly used in Mexico and some parts of Central America to denote an urban sidewalk.
No corras por la banqueta, puedes tropezar.
(Don't run on the sidewalk, you might trip.)
La banqueta es muy estrecha para maniobrar un carrito.
(The sidewalk is too narrow to maneuver a stroller.)
Summary
While 'acera', 'vereda', and 'banqueta' all generally translate to 'sidewalk' or 'pavement' in English, their connotations and usage vary by region. Generally speaking, 'acera' is widely used throughout Spain and some regions of Latin America. Meanwhile, 'vereda' has a wider usage in Argentina and Uruguay, often referring more to rural paths rather than city pavements. On the other hand, 'banqueta' is most commonly used in Mexico and its surrounding regions for expressing sidewalks in an urban setup.