Spanish Phrase
La entrada del metro está al otro lado de la calle.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'The entrance of the subway is to the other side of the street.' It's a common way to give or understand directions, specifically pointing out the location of a subway or metro entrance. 'Entrada' refers to the entry point, and 'al otro lado de la calle' is a standard expression for 'across the street'.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to tell someone where the subway entrance is located, especially if it's on the opposite side of the road. It's perfect for giving directions to tourists, explaining a route to a friend, or simply describing the layout of a street to someone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
La entradadel metroestáal otro ladode la calle
La entrada
'La entrada' means 'the entrance'. It's a feminine noun, hence 'la'. It's important to use the correct article.
del metro
'Del' is a contraction of 'de el' (of the). So, 'del metro' means 'of the subway'. This shows possession or association.
está
'Está' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'estar' (to be). 'Estar' is used for locations, temporary states, and conditions.
al otro lado
'Al otro lado' means 'to the other side'. 'Al' is a contraction of 'a el' (to the). This is a common directional phrase.
de la calle
'De la calle' means 'of the street'. Combined with 'al otro lado', it forms the complete phrase 'across the street'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Disculpa, dónde está la estación de metro más cercana?
Excuse me, where is the nearest subway station?
La entrada del metro está al otro lado de la calle.
The subway entrance is across the street.
✕Common Mistakes
La entrada del metro es al otro lado de la calle.
Using 'ser' (es) instead of 'estar' (está) for location. 'Estar' is always used for temporary or specific locations.
La entrada del metro está en el otro lado de la calle.
While 'en' can mean 'in' or 'on', the correct idiomatic expression for 'across the street' is 'al otro lado de la calle'.
El metro está al otro lado de la calle.
While understandable, 'El metro' refers to the entire subway system or train. 'La entrada del metro' is more precise when referring to the physical entrance.
↔Alternatives
El metro está enfrente.
The subway is opposite/in front.
Cruza la calle para el metro.
Cross the street for the subway.
La estación de metro está al otro lado.
The subway station is on the other side.
Cultural Tip
Public transportation, especially the metro, is a vital part of daily life in many Spanish-speaking cities. When asking for directions, it's common to be polite, using 'Por favor' (Please) and 'Gracias' (Thank you). The term 'metro' is widely understood, though in some regions like Buenos Aires, 'subte' is used. Be aware that 'calle' refers to a street, and 'avenida' to an avenue, which might influence the scale of 'across the street'.