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"Carretera" is a form of "carretera", a noun which is often translated as "road". "Autopista" is a noun which is often translated as "freeway". Learn more about the difference between "carretera" and "autopista" below.
la carretera(
kah
-
rreh
-
teh
-
rah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. road
La carretera que te lleva a la montaña está cerrada.The road that takes you to the mountains is closed.
b. highway
El límite de velocidad en la carretera es de 110 mi/h.The speed limit on the highway is 110 mph.
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la autopista(
ow
-
toh
-
pees
-
tah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. freeway
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
Pon el intermitente, luego cambia al carril de salida para salir de la autopista.Turn on your turn signal, then get into the exit lane to exit the freeway.
b. highway
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
Tomamos la autopista y llegamos con una hora de anticipación.We took the highway and arrived an hour earlier than planned.
c. motorway
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
En las horas punta, el tráfico es lento en las autopistas más concurridas.During rush hour, the traffic flow is slow on busy motorways.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.