Noun
/autoˈpista/
Autopista refers to a wide road designed for faster vehicle traffic, equipped with multiple lanes, and intended for long-distance travel. It typically has limited access points, meaning vehicles can only enter or exit at designated interchanges.
The word is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions about transportation, travel, and infrastructure.
La autopista está cerrada debido a la construcción.
(The highway is closed due to construction.)
Tomaremos la autopista para llegar más rápido a la ciudad.
(We will take the motorway to get to the city faster.)
En la autopista, los límites de velocidad son más altos.
(On the freeway, the speed limits are higher.)
The word autopista is often used in idiomatic expressions related to speed, efficiency, and travel.
Ir por la autopista de la vida.
(To go down the highway of life.)
Meaning: To move through life in a fast-paced manner.
No tomar la autopista hacia el fracaso.
(Not to take the highway to failure.)
Meaning: To avoid choices that lead to failure.
Estar en la autopista del éxito.
(To be on the highway to success.)
Meaning: To be on the right track towards achieving success.
Cruzar el desierto sin autopista.
(To cross the desert without a highway.)
Meaning: To face challenges without the necessary tools or support.
Ponerse en la autopista de la felicidad.
(To get on the highway of happiness.)
Meaning: To take actions that lead to a happier life.
The term autopista is derived from the Spanish words auto (car) and pista (track or path). It recognizes the nature of the road as specifically designed for vehicular traffic.
Synonyms: - carretera (road) - vía rápida (fast track) - autovía (dual carriageway)
Antonyms: - camino (path) - calle (street) - senda (trail)
In summary, autopista is a key term in the context of transportation in Spanish-speaking countries, with various idiomatic uses that reflect the concept of speed and efficiency.