quedarnos
/keh-DAHR-nos/
to stay
We decided to stay (quedarnos) inside the tent instead of going out.
quedarnos(verb)
to stay
?remaining in a place
,to remain
?not leaving
to keep
?choosing to possess something
,to meet up
?agreeing to a meeting time/place (reflexive/reciprocal use)
📝 In Action
Preferimos quedarnos en el hotel esta noche.
A1We prefer to stay in the hotel tonight.
Antes de salir, tenemos que quedarnos tranquilos y pensar.
A2Before leaving, we have to remain calm and think.
¿A qué hora vamos a quedarnos para cenar?
A2What time are we going to meet up for dinner?
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Nos'
'Quedarnos' is the base verb 'quedar' with the reflexive pronoun 'nos' attached. This 'nos' means the action is done to or for 'us' (nosotros), making it 'we stay'.
Attaching the Pronoun
When using the infinitive form, the pronoun ('nos') is always attached to the end. The conjugated forms separate the pronoun: 'Nos quedamos' (We stay).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'Nos'
Mistake: "Vamos a quedar aquí. (Using the non-reflexive 'quedar')"
Correction: Vamos a quedarnos aquí. (The reflexive 'quedarse' is needed when you mean 'to stay' or 'to remain' in a place.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasis on Choice
Use 'quedarse' (quedarnos) to emphasize the decision to stay, rather than simply being located there. It implies a choice.
After eating the contents, we are left with (quedarnos) only a few candies.
quedarnos(verb)
to be left with
?having something remaining after consumption
,to run out of
?when used with 'sin' (e.g., to be left without)
to end up
?describing the final result or appearance
,to look
?describing how something fits or looks (e.g., 'El vestido nos queda bien.')
📝 In Action
Tenemos que ahorrar para no quedarnos sin dinero antes de fin de mes.
B1We have to save so we don't run out of money before the end of the month.
Si compramos eso, solo nos va a quedarnos un poco de cambio.
B2If we buy that, we are only going to be left with a little change.
Después de la discusión, decidimos quedarnos en silencio.
B2After the argument, we decided to end up in silence (remain silent).
💡 Grammar Points
Running Out of Things
To express that 'we ran out of' something, use the structure 'quedarnos sin + noun.' Example: 'quedarnos sin luz' (to run out of electricity).
Describing Appearance
The phrase 'quedarnos + adjective' describes the result of an action or how we look/feel: 'quedarnos cansados' (to end up tired).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'Left Over' Forms
Mistake: "Nosotros sobró dinero. (Using the impersonal 'sobrar' with a subject pronoun.)"
Correction: Nos quedamos con dinero. (Use 'quedarse con' to mean 'to be left possessing' or 'Nos quedó dinero' if using the impersonal form of 'quedar'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Con'
Use 'quedarnos con [something]' to mean 'to keep' or 'to possess something that remains.' We are left with it.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quedarnos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'quedarnos' to mean 'to run out of'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'quedarnos' sometimes mean 'to meet'?
When 'quedarse' is used reciprocally (meaning the action goes both ways), it implies 'we arrange to meet each other.' For example, 'Quedamos a las siete' means 'We arrange to meet at seven.'
Is 'quedar' the same as 'quedarse'?
No. 'Quedar' (non-reflexive) usually means 'to be located,' 'to fit,' or 'to be left over.' 'Quedarse' (reflexive, like 'quedarnos') means 'to stay,' 'to remain,' or 'to keep' something—it focuses on the decision or state of the subject ('us').