Estrecho vs. angosto
The words estrecho and angosto in Spanish both translate to narrow in English. They generally can be used interchangeably, but there are certain contexts and regions where one word may be preferred over the other.
Estrecho
A2Estrecho typically is used to refer to a narrow physical location like streets, passages or geographical features such as straits. It also describes a situation where there is little space or margin.
La calle donde vivo es muy estrecha.
(The street where I live is very narrow.)
El Estrecho de Gibraltar es un punto estratégico para el comercio naval.
(The Strait of Gibraltar is a strategic point for naval trade.)
Estamos en una situación financiera muy estrecha.
(We are in a very tight financial situation.)
Angosto
B1Angosto, although also meaning narrow, is less commonly used than estrecho. It more frequently refers to an uncomfortably narrow place or situation. In some Latin American countries, it is more often used than estrecho.
El camino al refugio es angosto y peligroso.
(The road to the shelter is narrow and dangerous.)
Vivíamos en un cuarto muy angosto.
(We lived in a very cramped room.)
Este jersey me queda angosto en los hombros.
(This sweater is tight on my shoulders.)
Summary
Estrecho and angosto can both translate as narrow but they're applied slightly differently based on the context and regional usage. Estrecho commonly refers to narrow locations or situations with little room, while angosto, although less common, often describes uncomfortably narrow spaces or situations.