Spanish Phrase
Evita los callejones oscuros.
Meaning
A direct warning telling someone not to go into dark alleys, often for safety reasons. The phrase carries a firm but friendly tone, typical of practical advice.
When to use
Use this sentence when giving travel or safety advice, especially in urban settings at night, or when reminding a friend to stay away from potentially unsafe shortcuts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Evitaloscallejonesoscuros
Imperative (tú) of evitar
For regular -ar verbs, drop the -r and add -a to form the informal affirmative command (e.g., evitar → evita).
Definite article 'los'
Used before masculine plural nouns to specify known or generic items.
Noun 'callejón'
Masculine noun meaning 'alley'; the plural form adds -es, becoming 'callejones'.
Adjective agreement
Adjectives must match the gender and number of the noun they modify, so 'oscuros' is masculine plural to agree with 'callejones'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Es seguro caminar por esa zona?
Is it safe to walk through that area?
No, evita los callejones oscuros.
No, avoid the dark alleys.
✕Common Mistakes
Evita el callejones oscuros.
The article must be plural to match 'callejones'.
Evita los callejón oscuros.
The noun should be plural because the article 'los' is plural.
Evita los callejones oscuro.
Adjective must agree in number with the noun.
↔Alternatives
Aléjate de los callejones oscuros.
Stay away from the dark alleys.
No entres en los callejones oscuros.
Don't go into the dark alleys.
Mantente alejado de los callejones oscuros.
Keep yourself away from the dark alleys.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking cities, narrow alleys (callejones) can be poorly lit and less patrolled at night. Locals often advise tourists to stick to main streets and well‑lit avenues. Remember that 'callejón' can also refer to a dead‑end street, so the warning applies to both safety and navigation contexts.