quedan
/KAY-dahn/
are left
When things are left (quedan), it means there is a remaining quantity.
quedan(verb)
are left
?remaining quantity
,remain
?what is still present
there are
?when talking about quantity remaining, similar to 'hay'
📝 In Action
Solo quedan tres galletas en el plato.
A1Only three cookies are left on the plate.
Después de la liquidación, quedan pocos productos.
A2After the sale, few products remain.
Nos quedan dos horas para terminar el trabajo.
A2We have two hours left to finish the job. (Literally: Two hours remain to us...)
💡 Grammar Points
Structure like 'Gustar'
When talking about time or items 'remaining for us,' Spanish uses an indirect pronoun (like 'nos') before 'quedan.' The item remaining is the actual subject.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'quedan' and 'hay'
Mistake: "Using 'quedan' when you simply mean 'there are' for the first time."
Correction: Use 'hay' (there are) to introduce something new, and 'quedan' (there are still/left) to emphasize what remains after something else has been taken away.
⭐ Usage Tips
Counting Down
This form is perfect for countdowns, schedules, or noting items running low: 'Quedan 5 minutos' (5 minutes left).
Use quedan to talk about where things are located.
quedan(verb)
are located
?physical position
,are situated
?describing location
are
?when referring to placement, informal
📝 In Action
Los monumentos más antiguos quedan en el centro histórico.
A2The oldest monuments are located in the historic center.
¿Dónde quedan los baños?
A1Where are the restrooms located?
Quedan a solo dos cuadras de aquí.
A2They are situated just two blocks from here.
💡 Grammar Points
Location without Change
Use 'quedan' (or 'queda') to talk about a fixed location, like where a building or city is. It's often interchangeable with 'están' for these static locations.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for Directions
Using '¿Dónde quedan?' is a very common and polite way to ask for the location of places like stores, stations, or services.
These shoes fit (quedan) perfectly!
📝 In Action
Las botas no les quedan bien, son muy estrechas.
B1The boots don't fit them well, they are too tight.
Estos colores siempre quedan fantásticos con tu tono de piel.
B1These colors always look fantastic with your skin tone.
Los nuevos uniformes les quedan un poco grandes.
B2The new uniforms are a little big on them.
💡 Grammar Points
Indirect Object Required
When talking about fitting/looking, you must include a pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les) to say who the item looks good/bad on. The item itself is the subject that 'quedan' must agree with.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Subject-Verb Agreement
Mistake: "Saying 'Las botas les queda bien' (singular verb for plural subject)."
Correction: Always make sure 'quedan' agrees with the clothes/item (plural) and not the person (indirect object pronoun). Correct: 'Las botas les quedan bien.'
When people arrange to meet (quedan), they plan an encounter.
quedan(verb)
arrange to meet
?planning an encounter
,make a date
?setting an appointment time
agree (on a time)
?coming to a consensus
📝 In Action
Siempre quedan para cenar los viernes por la noche.
B1They always arrange to meet for dinner on Friday nights.
¿A qué hora quedan? Necesito saberlo.
B1What time are they meeting? I need to know.
Después de la reunión, quedan en enviar un correo electrónico.
B2After the meeting, they agree to send an email.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use in Spain
In Spain, this meaning is often used reflexively: 'se quedan' (they stay/remain, but also 'they meet'). In Latin America, the non-reflexive 'quedan' is more common for meeting.
Followed by 'en'
If you are describing an agreement about an action (not a time/place), use 'quedar en' + the infinitive: 'Quedan en ir' (They agree to go).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Consensus
If a group is finalizing a decision or a plan, 'quedan' is used to confirm the agreed-upon item.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quedan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'quedan' to talk about a location?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'quedan' and 'están' when talking about location?
Both can talk about location. 'Están' (from *estar*) is generally used for temporary states or for location when you need to emphasize the current state. 'Quedan' often refers to the permanent or designated location of something (like a building or landmark). In many cases, especially when asking directions, they are interchangeable.
Since 'quedan' is a conjugated form, how do I use the base verb *quedar*?
*Quedar* is the infinitive (the 'to...' form). You would use *quedar* after other verbs, or change the ending to match who is doing the action. For example: 'Queremos *quedar* en el parque' (We want *to meet* in the park).