manzana
/mahn-SAH-nah/
apple
The most common meaning of "manzana" is the fruit, the apple.
📝 In Action
Me gusta comer una manzana después del almuerzo.
A1I like to eat an apple after lunch.
Hay manzanas rojas y verdes en la nevera.
A2There are red and green apples in the fridge.
El postre de hoy es una tarta de manzana casera.
B1Today's dessert is a homemade apple pie.
💡 Grammar Points
Nouns Ending in -a
Since 'manzana' ends in -a, it is a feminine noun. Always use 'la' (the) or 'una' (an) before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Gender
Mistake: "El manzana"
Correction: La manzana. Remember, even though some fruits are masculine ('el plátano'), 'manzana' is feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation in Spain vs. LatAm
In Spain, the 'z' in 'manzana' sounds like the 'th' in the English word 'think.' In most of Latin America, it sounds like a simple 's'.
In urban contexts, "manzana" can also refer to a city block, the area bounded by four streets.
manzana(noun)
city block
?urban area bounded by streets
square
?a group of buildings surrounded by streets
📝 In Action
El supermercado está a tres manzanas de mi casa.
B1The supermarket is three blocks from my house.
Tuvimos que dar la vuelta a la manzana para encontrar un aparcamiento.
B2We had to drive around the block to find parking.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' for Distance
When talking about distance using 'manzana' (block), you often use the preposition 'a' (at/to), as in 'a dos manzanas' (two blocks away).
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Difference
In Spain and some other regions, you might hear 'bloque' or 'cuadra' more often, but 'manzana' is the standard way to refer to a city block in many parts of Latin America.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: manzana
Question 1 of 2
Which English word correctly translates 'manzana' in the sentence: 'El banco está a dos manzanas de la plaza.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'manzana' mean both 'apple' and 'city block'?
This is a great example of how language adapts! While 'apple' is the original meaning, 'manzana' for 'city block' likely came from the block's shape—it is often a neat, compact square or rectangle, similar to how the word is used in architecture or urban planning to define a bounded area.
Is 'manzana' used for 'city block' everywhere?
It is widely understood, but it is most commonly used for 'city block' in Latin American countries. In Spain, people might use 'bloque' or 'cuadra' more often when giving directions.