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"Tránsito" is a form of "tránsito", a noun which is often translated as "transit". "Tráfico" is a form of "tráfico", a noun which is often translated as "traffic". Learn more about the difference between "tránsito" and "tráfico" below.
el tránsito(
trahn
-
see
-
toh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (transport)
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Los pasajeros en tránsito deben permanecer en esta zona del aeropuerto.Transit passengers must remain in this area of the airport.
No podremos asistir a la función el sábado porque solo estamos de tránsito.We won't be able to go to the show on Saturday because we're just passing through.
3. (religious)
el tráfico(
trah
-
fee
-
koh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. traffic
Toma por esa calle para evitar el tráfico del centro.Take that street to avoid downtown traffic.
a. trade
Los árabes monopolizaron el tráfico de especias hasta el año 200 a. de C.The Arabs monopolized the spice trade until 200 B.C.
a. trade (in slaves or arms)
El tráfico de armas es tan viejo como la guerra misma.Trade in arms is as old as war itself.
b. traffic (in slaves or drugs)
La ley no abolía la esclavitud como tal, pero prohibía el tráfico de esclavos.The law did not abolish slavery itself, but prohibited the traffic of slaves.
c. dealing (in arms or drugs)
Pasó dos años en prisión por tráfico de drogas.He spent two years in jail for drug dealing.