cuadras
“cuadras” means “blocks” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
blocks
Also: stables
📝 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.
you square / you fit
Also: you balance
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'quadra,' meaning 'square.' This refers to the four-sided shape of city blocks and the act of making things 'square' or balanced.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.