plaza
//plá-sa/ (or /plá-tha/ in Spain)/
town square
This image shows a typical town square, or plaza, a common public meeting place.
plaza(noun)
town square
?public meeting place in a city or town
,public square
?open area in a city
piazza
?Italian-style square
📝 In Action
Nos vemos en la plaza central a las cinco.
A1We'll meet in the central square at five o'clock.
La fuente de la plaza es muy antigua.
A2The fountain in the square is very old.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though 'plaza' ends in 'a', which is typical for feminine nouns, you must always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'plaza' and 'parque'
Mistake: "Usando 'parque' cuando se refiere a una plaza central pavimentada."
Correction: 'Plaza' usually refers to a paved or stone square, often the heart of the town. 'Parque' is generally a green, grassy area.
⭐ Usage Tips
Cultural Importance
In Spanish-speaking cultures, the 'plaza' is traditionally the social, political, and commercial center of a town, much more than a simple park.
In a professional context, plaza can refer to an open job position or employment post.
plaza(noun)
position
?job vacancy or employment post
,vacancy
?an unfilled job or seat
space
?a spot or opening (e.g., in a university course)
📝 In Action
Hay una plaza disponible en el departamento de ventas.
B1There is a position available in the sales department.
¿Cuántas plazas hay para el curso de verano?
B2How many spots are there for the summer course?
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Context
This meaning is often used in formal job listings or university applications, making it sound more serious or official than using 'trabajo' or 'puesto'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Plaza' for Seats
You can also use 'plaza' to talk about reserved seating or a limited number of spots in a theater, bus, or classroom.
A traditional food market, often referred to as a plaza in some regions, is depicted here.
plaza(noun)
market
?a traditional food market
,shopping mall
?large commercial center (regional use)
town/city
?used when referring to a market area or commercial hub
📝 In Action
La plaza de abastos abre temprano para vender pescado fresco.
B1The wholesale market opens early to sell fresh fish.
Vamos a la plaza a comprar ropa nueva.
A2Let's go to the shopping mall to buy new clothes. (Common in some regions)
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Differences
Be aware that in some Latin American countries, 'plaza' is the standard way to say 'shopping mall' (e.g., 'plaza comercial'). In Spain, they usually say 'centro comercial'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: plaza
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'plaza' to mean 'job vacancy'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'plaza' the same as 'parque'?
Not exactly. While both are public spaces, a 'plaza' is usually paved, often surrounded by buildings, and is the traditional social and civic center. A 'parque' is generally a green space or garden with trees and grass.
How do I know if 'plaza' means 'square' or 'shopping mall'?
Context is key. If someone mentions 'la plaza mayor' or 'la plaza central,' they mean the town square. If they say 'la plaza comercial' or mention buying items from shops, they likely mean a shopping center, especially in Latin America.