Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Narrow in Spanish: Estrecho & Angosto
Estrecho · adjective · ehs-TREH-choh
The Spanish word for narrow is 'estrecho,' used to describe something that lacks width, such as a street, hallway, or passage. In many Latin American countries, 'angosto' serves as an equally common synonym, particularly in Mexico and Central America.
Pronounce 'estrecho' as ehs-TREH-choh, with the stress on the second syllable. For 'angosto,' say ahn-GOHS-toh.
La calle es demasiado estrecha para dos coches.
The street is too narrow for two cars.
Narrow in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for narrow, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| estrecho | narrow | ehs-TREH-choh | Default, widely understood |
| angosto | narrow | Latin America, especially Mexico and Central America | |
| reducido | narrow | used for abstract narrowing, e.g., narrow options |
How Native Speakers Use Estrecho
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Describing a road
Ten cuidado porque el puente es muy angosto.
Be careful because the bridge is very narrow.
Warning someone while driving.
Trying on clothes
Estos pantalones me quedan demasiado estrechos.
These pants are too narrow on me.
Shopping for clothing that does not fit well.
Describing architecture
Las escaleras del edificio antiguo son bastante estrechas.
The stairs in the old building are quite narrow.
Commenting on the layout of a historic structure.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Estrecho
Confusing 'estrecho' with 'estricto'
Incorrect: El profesor es muy estrecho con las reglas.
Correct: El profesor es muy estricto con las reglas.
'Estrecho' means physically narrow, while 'estricto' means strict. They look similar but have completely different meanings.
Forgetting gender agreement
Incorrect: La puerta es muy estrecho.
Correct: La puerta es muy estrecha.
Since 'puerta' is feminine, the adjective must change to 'estrecha' to match the noun's gender.
Lock in Narrow Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Estrecho used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using estrecho in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear La calle es demasiado estrecha para dos coches. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Narrow in Spanish
- Are 'estrecho' and 'angosto' interchangeable?
- In most contexts they can be used interchangeably, though 'angosto' is more prevalent in Mexican and Central American Spanish, while 'estrecho' dominates in Spain and the Southern Cone.
- Can 'estrecho' mean 'strait' as in a body of water?
- When used as a noun with the article 'el,' 'el estrecho' refers to a geographic strait, such as 'el Estrecho de Gibraltar,' so context determines whether it means narrow or strait.
- How do I say 'to narrow down' in Spanish?
- The verb form is 'estrechar' or 'reducir,' as in 'necesitamos reducir las opciones' (we need to narrow down the options), which shifts from the physical to the abstract sense.