What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
metro
Example
I take the metro to work every day. [metro: noun]
Example
The city's metro system is very efficient. [metro: adjective]
subway
Example
I need to take the subway to get to the other side of the city. [subway: noun]
Example
We walked through the subway to get to the other side of the street. [subway: pedestrian underpass]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subway is more commonly used in North America, while metro is more commonly used in Europe and Latin America. However, both terms are widely understood and used in urban areas around the world.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between metro and subway?
Metro is generally considered more formal than subway, and is often used in technical or official contexts. Subway is more casual and colloquial, and is commonly used in everyday conversation.
