parada
“parada” means “stop” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
stop, stand
Also: station
📝 In Action
La parada de autobús está justo aquí al lado.
A1The bus stop is right next door here.
¿Dónde está la parada de taxis más cercana?
A2Where is the nearest taxi stand?
stop, break
Also: layover
📝 In Action
Hagamos una parada para comer algo antes de seguir el camino.
B1Let's make a stop to eat something before continuing the journey.
El vuelo tiene una parada de tres horas en Madrid.
B2The flight has a three-hour layover in Madrid.
parade
Also: review
📝 In Action
Cada año hay una gran parada militar para celebrar el Día Nacional.
B2Every year there is a large military parade to celebrate National Day.
La parada de la banda fue muy impresionante.
C1The band's parade was very impressive.
save
Also: block
📝 In Action
¡Qué parada espectacular! El portero salvó el partido.
B2What a spectacular save! The goalkeeper saved the match.
Fue una parada con los pies, muy arriesgada.
C1It was a save with his feet, very risky.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: parada
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'parada' to mean a physical location?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'parada' comes directly from the verb 'parar' (to stop). 'Parar' itself traces back to the Vulgar Latin word *parare*, which originally meant 'to prepare' or 'to arrange,' but evolved in Spanish to mean 'to halt' or 'to stop motion.' Thus, 'parada' is literally 'a stopping' or 'a place where one stops.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as a form of the verb)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'parada' the same as 'parado'?
No. 'Parada' (feminine noun) means 'a stop' or 'a halt.' 'Parado' (masculine noun or adjective) means 'stopped' or 'standing up,' and can also mean 'unemployed' in some regions.
How do I know if 'parada' means 'bus stop' or 'break'?
Look at the surrounding words. If you see 'de autobús' (of the bus) or 'de taxi' (of the taxi), it means the location. If you see verbs like 'hacer' (to make) or 'tener' (to have) followed by 'una parada,' it usually means a temporary break or halt in motion.