Calle vs. callejón vs. callejuela
This article explains the differences between the Spanish words 'calle', 'callejón', and 'callejuela' with a variety of examples to showcase their distinct meanings.
Calle
'Calle' means 'street' in English. It's a common term used for roads or pathways within a city or town.
Vivo en la calle principal del pueblo.
(I live on the main street of the town.)
La cafetería está en la calle siguiente.
(The café is on the next street.)
Los niños juegan en la calle.
(The children play in the street.)
Callejón
'Callejón' translates to 'alley' in English. It refers to a narrow passageway, often between buildings, and typically less traveled than streets.
El gato se escondió en el callejón.
(The cat hid in the alley.)
Hay un callejón detrás del mercado.
(There is an alley behind the market.)
Ese callejón es muy oscuro por la noche.
(That alley is very dark at night.)
Callejuela
'Callejuela' means 'narrow street' or 'lane'. It's used to describe small, often picturesque streets, usually found in older parts of towns or cities.
Nos perdimos en las callejuelas del casco antiguo.
(We got lost in the narrow streets of the old town.)
Las callejuelas están llenas de historia y encanto.
(The narrow streets are full of history and charm.)
La casa está en una callejuela tranquila.
(The house is in a quiet lane.)
Summary
In summary, while all three words relate to types of roads or pathways within urban areas, 'calle' refers to a general street, 'callejón' describes a narrow alley, often less traveled and between buildings, and 'callejuela' denotes a quaint, narrow street often found in historic or charming parts of towns.