estrechas

Estrechas is the feminine plural form of the Spanish adjective estrecha, meaning narrow or tight. It agrees with feminine plural nouns, as in calles estrechas or gargantas estrechas. The corresponding masculine form is estrecho and the feminine singular is estrecha. The term is commonly used to describe physical spaces such as streets, passages, canyons, or other narrow features, as well as to express figurative tightness or closeness in some contexts.

Etymology and linguistic notes: Estrecha derives from the verb estrechar, to narrow or tighten, which in turn comes from a root related to tightening or constriction. The plural estrechas adds the standard feminine plural suffix -as to the feminine singular estrecha. In everyday usage, estrechas typically precedes the noun (calles estrechas) but can appear after in predicative constructions (Las calles son estrechas).

Usage and examples: The word appears frequently in urban planning and geography to characterize narrow streets and passages. It can describe natural formations like gargantas estrechas (narrow gorges) or artificial corridors such as pasajes estrechos. In literature and journalism, estrechas helps convey a sense of confinement or delicacy in spatial description.

Toponymy and related terms: In some Spanish-speaking regions, Estrechas or Las Estrechas function as place names, often referring to narrow geographic features or settlements near a constricted landscape. Related terms include estrecho (as a noun for a strait or a narrow passage) and estrechar (to narrow).

See also: estrecho, estrechar.