Spanish · Nature, Animals & Weather
"River" in Spanish: río
el río
A river is el río (REE-oh). It is masculine and needs the accent: río. Ir al río means go to the river. La orilla del río is the riverbank.
Weekend plan
El sábado vamos al río.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce río
Say it
REE-oh
/ˈri.o/
REE-oh. Stress REE. Written accent on í. Two clear vowels. Say río, not English ree-oh rushed.
"River" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el río | the river Default. | Default. |
| al río | to the river Trip plans. | Trip plans. |
| la orilla del río | the riverbank Walking or picnics. | Walking or picnics. |
| el río caudaloso | the fast-flowing river Strong current talk. | Strong current talk. |
How to use río in real life
- 1Weekend plan
El sábado vamos al río.
Saturday we're going to the river.
Al río.
- 2Picnic
Comemos en la orilla del río.
We eat on the riverbank.
Orilla del río.
- 3Warning
El río baja fuerte hoy.
The river is running strong today.
El río.
Mistakes English speakers make with río
Incorrect: La río es ancha.
Correct: El río es ancho.
Río is masculine: el río.
Incorrect: Vamos a el rio.
Correct: Vamos al río.
Use al río and keep the accent on río.
Good to know
Towns gather at el río for Sunday asados and swimming holes. Signs warn when el río crece after rain. Always write the accent: río.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a picnic spot
ChatPal
¿Mesa cerca del río o en el parque?
Table near the river or in the park?
You
Cerca del río. Quiero oír el agua.
Near the river. I want to hear the water.
ChatPal
Ok. El río está limpio hoy.
Okay. The river is clean today.
You
Perfecto. Yo llevo fruta.
Perfect. I'll bring fruit.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"River" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "River" in Spanish
Is río masculine?
Yes: el río, los ríos.
Why the accent on río?
Stress is on REE, so Spanish writes í.
How do you pronounce río?
REE-oh with stress on REE.
How do I say to the river?
Al río.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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