cuadras
/KWA-drahs/
blocks
In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'cuadras' refers to the physical blocks that make up a city street.
📝 In Action
Camina tres cuadras y dobla a la derecha.
A1Walk three blocks and turn right.
Las cuadras de los caballos están limpias.
B2The horse stables are clean.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Noun
This is the plural form of 'cuadra.' In Spanish, you simply add an 's' to the end to make it plural.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Regional Differences
Mistake: "Using 'cuadras' for blocks in Spain."
Correction: Use 'manzanas' in Spain and 'cuadras' in Latin America to sound more like a local.
⭐ Usage Tips
Measuring Distance
Spanish speakers use 'cuadras' as a mental map. If someone says 'a dos cuadras,' they mean it's very close!
The verb 'cuadrar' can mean to square something or to make things fit together perfectly.
cuadras(verb)
you square / you fit
?the 'you' (tú) form of the verb 'cuadrar'
you balance
?making accounts or numbers match
📝 In Action
Tú siempre cuadras las cuentas al final del mes.
B1You always balance the accounts at the end of the month.
Si cuadras bien las piezas, el mueble quedará firme.
B2If you fit the pieces together well, the furniture will be steady.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Cuadras' for People
When talking to a friend (tú), use this form to say they are making something match or fit: '¿Tú cuadras el horario?' (Are you sorting out the schedule?)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Cuadrados'
Mistake: "Using 'cuadras' to mean 'squares' (the shape)."
Correction: Use 'cuadras' for blocks or the verb; use 'cuadrados' for the actual square shapes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Abstract Fitting
Use this verb when an idea or a story 'doesn't add up' for you. You can say 'Esa historia no me cuadra' (That story doesn't fit/make sense to me).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuadras
Question 1 of 2
If you are in Mexico and someone says their house is 'a tres cuadras,' where is it?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'cuadras' always mean city blocks?
Not always! While it means city blocks in Latin America, it can also mean 'horse stables' or be a form of the verb 'cuadrar' (to fit/square).
Can I use 'cuadras' in Spain?
If you use it for city blocks, they will understand you, but they usually say 'manzanas.' In Spain, 'cuadras' is more commonly understood as stables for animals.