alley
word
/ˈæɫi/
A-lee
/ˈæli/
A-lee
Definition
A narrow path or street between or behind buildings. It is usually smaller and quieter than a regular street.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for small city passages: 'walk down an alley' or 'a dark alley'. It can sound neutral, but in stories or conversation it sometimes suggests a hidden, quiet, or slightly unsafe place. Do not confuse it with 'hallway', which is inside a building.
Spanish: callejónPortuguese (BR): beco - vielaPortuguese (PT): beco - vielaChinese (Simplified): 小巷 - 胡同Chinese (Traditional): 小巷 - 巷弄Hindi: गली - संकरी गलीArabic: زقاق - ممر ضيقBengali: গলিRussian: переулок - аллея (пешеходная улица)Japanese: 路地 - 路地裏Vietnamese: hẻm - ngõKorean: 골목 - 골목길Turkish: ara sokak - dar sokak - geçitUrdu: گلیIndonesian: gang - lorong
Example Sentences
The cat ran into the alley.
basic
There is a small alley behind my house.
basic
We walked through the alley to get to the store.
basic
That alley looks creepy at night, so let's take the main road.
natural
There's a great little coffee shop tucked away in an alley downtown.
natural
I took a wrong turn and ended up in a dead-end alley.
natural