How to say “Let’s cross here” in Spanish

Introduction

Knowing how to suggest crossing the street in Spanish is a small but useful conversational skill. This article explains common ways to say let’s cross here, how to pronounce phrases, when to use them, and polite variations for different situations. Examples and short dialogues will help you sound natural in everyday contexts.

Basic phrases to say let’s cross here

The simplest and most direct way to tell someone to cross with you is to use the verb cruzar. Use the inclusive first person plural form when you mean let’s. The most common phrase is Crucemos aquí. This is polite, clear, and works in most situations.

Other common verbs and phrases include Vamos a cruzar and Pasemos aquí. Each has a slightly different nuance:

Crucemos aquí — A direct suggestion to cross here. Formal and neutral.

Vamos a cruzar — More casual, literally let’s go cross. Good for friends and family.

Pasemos aquí — A softer way to propose crossing, using pasar. Slightly more colloquial in some regions.

When to use each phrase: context and nuance

Choosing between these phrases depends on tone, urgency, and formality. Use Crucemos aquí in situations where you want a concise, slightly formal suggestion, such as when addressing strangers or in semi-formal contexts.

Use Vamos a cruzar with friends, children, or when you are giving a casual command. It sounds more immediate and friendly.

Use Pasemos aquí if you want to sound a bit gentler or if you’re suggesting passing through a place rather than strictly crossing a street. Regional speakers sometimes prefer this for sidewalks or small barriers.

Politeness and formality: making it softer

If you want to soften the suggestion, add por favor or a conditional phrasing. For example:

¿Podemos cruzar aquí, por favor? — Can we cross here, please? Polite and suitable when asking for permission or when unsure about local rules.

¿Te parece si cruzamos aquí? — Do you mind if we cross here? This invites the other person’s opinion and sounds very polite.

When speaking to elders or people you don’t know, these softer forms show respect and consideration.

Specific situations: intersections, crosswalks, and busy streets

In cities, you may need to indicate a crosswalk or traffic signal. Useful vocabulary appears in natural phrases.

Crosswalk — paso de peatones (first appearance bold). Later references use paso de peatones. Example:
Crucemos por el paso de peatones — Let’s cross at the crosswalk.

Traffic light — semáforo. Example:
Esperemos al semáforo — Let’s wait for the traffic light.

Zebra crossing (informal) — cebra or paso peatonal. Example:
Pasemos por la cebra — Let’s cross at the zebra crossing.

When a crossing is regulated by a traffic light, it is safest and most respectful to suggest waiting. Use Esperemos if you want to say let’s wait, as in
Esperemos a que cambie el semáforo — Let’s wait for the light to change.

Giving direction or pointing something out

Often you will combine let’s cross here with a directional cue. Use aquí for here and allí or allá for there. Examples:

Crucemos aquí, donde está el semáforo — Let’s cross here, where the traffic light is.

Vamos a cruzar por allí — Let’s cross over there.

To draw attention to a safe place, you can add seguro or más seguro. Example:
Crucemos aquí, es más seguro — Let’s cross here, it’s safer.

Short dialogues: natural ways native speakers say it

Example 1 — friends walking:

Person A: ¿Por dónde vamos?
Person B: Crucemos aquí, está el semáforo

Example 2 — with a stranger or polite request:

Person A: ¿Podemos cruzar por aquí?
Person B: Sí, por favor

Example 3 — warning about traffic:

Person A: Ese lado está muy transitado
Person B: Entonces crucemos por allá, donde hay paso de peatones

Pronunciation tips

Pronouncing these phrases clearly helps being understood. Key points:

Crucemos — Pronounce the initial cr as a single sound: kru-SEH-mos. Stress the second syllable.

Vamos a cruzar — VAH-mos ah kru-ZAR. Stress goes on the last syllable of cruzar.

Pasemos — pah-SEH-mos. Emphasize the middle syllable.

Aquí (ah-KEE) and allí (ah-YEE) are short words but important for clarity. Semáforo is pronounced seh-MAH-foh-roh, with the stress on the second syllable. Paso de peatones is PA-so deh pay-ah-TOH-nes.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Beginners often use the infinitive instead of the subjunctive when making a suggestion. For example, saying *cruzar aquí* by itself sounds incomplete. Use the imperative or the subjunctive plural form: Crucemos aquí or use vamos: Vamos a cruzar.

Avoid literal English translations like *let’s cross here* word-for-word into Spanish grammar. The natural constructions are the ones shown earlier. Also be careful with false friends: pasar can mean to pass or to happen, so context matters. Using pasemos alone is fine for crossing, but add context if needed: Pasemos la calle — Let’s cross the street.

Regional variations

Spanish varies by country. In Spain, speakers may prefer Crucemos or Pasemos. In many Latin American countries, Vamos a cruzar is extremely common and often sounds more natural in casual speech.

Some regions use local words for crosswalks, such as paso peatonal, cebrita, or even bad usage like esquina to mean corner. Knowing the local term helps you blend in, but the core verbs cruzar, pasar, and ir a cruzar are universally understood.

Related phrases and useful additions

These additions help make your suggestion clearer or safer.

Cross the street — Cruzar la calle. Example:
Tenemos que cruzar la calle — We have to cross the street.

Let’s wait for the light — Esperemos al semáforo. Example:
Esperemos al semáforo verde — Let’s wait for the green light.

Be careful — Ten cuidado or Cuidado. Example:
Cuidado, hay mucho tráfico — Be careful, there is a lot of traffic.

Hold my hand — Toma mi mano or Agarra mi mano. Useful with children. Example:
Agarra mi mano antes de cruzar — Hold my hand before crossing.

Body language and cultural notes

When suggesting a crossing, pair your phrase with clear gestures. Point to the exact spot with your arm extended and palm down for clarity. Eye contact helps confirm the other person’s attention.

In some cultures, people expect drivers to stop only at crosswalks. Suggest crossing at marked places to be respectful and safe. Using polite language and gesturing toward a crosswalk shows awareness of local traffic norms.

Summary of key phrases

Here are the most useful ready-to-use lines:

Crucemos aquí — Let’s cross here.

Vamos a cruzar — Let’s go cross.

Pasemos aquí — Let’s pass/cross here.

¿Podemos cruzar aquí, por favor? — Can we cross here, please?

Crucemos por el paso de peatones — Let’s cross at the crosswalk.

Conclusion

Learning how to say let’s cross here gives you a practical phrase for everyday walking and travel. Use Crucemos aquí for a clear suggestion, Vamos a cruzar for a casual tone, and softeners like por favor or ¿Te parece si…? to be polite. Combine phrases with pointing and safety words like semáforo or paso de peatones to communicate effectively and courteously.