Inklingo

quede

/KAY-day/

stays / remains

A single, small, smooth gray pebble resting securely on a large, flat mossy rock, symbolizing permanence.

Something that stays or remains where it is.

quede(Verb)

A2regular ar

stays / remains

?

Subjunctive use, expressing possibility or wish

,

stay / remain

?

Formal command ('Usted')

Also:

is left over

?

Referring to remaining quantity

,

may be situated

?

Referring to location

📝 In Action

Espero que no quede nadie en la calle con este frío.

A2

I hope nobody stays (is left) out in the street with this cold.

Usted, quede aquí mientras revisamos el coche.

A2

You (formal), stay here while we check the car.

No creo que quede tiempo para postre.

B1

I don't think there is (remains) time for dessert.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • permanezca ((that he/she) remains)
  • deténgase (stop (formal command))

Common Collocations

  • que no quede rastrothat no trace remains
  • para que quede claroso that it is clear

💡 Grammar Points

Using Subjunctive for Wishes

When you express a wish, doubt, or hope using 'que', the verb that follows often changes to the 'quede' form: 'Ojalá que quede pan' (I hope that there is bread left).

Formal Commands

'Quede' is the respectful, formal way to tell someone (usted) to 'stay' or 'remain': 'Quede tranquilo' (Stay calm).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative

Mistake: "No creo que queda leche. (Incorrect verb form)"

Correction: No creo que quede leche. (Use 'quede' because the sentence expresses doubt or lack of belief.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Check the Subject

Remember 'quede' is used for 'yo', 'él/ella', or 'usted' (singular formal subjects) in the present subjunctive.

A pair of feet wearing shiny, perfectly fitted red boots standing on a clean wooden floor, showing a perfect fit.

Describing how clothing fits well.

quede(Verb)

B1regular ar

fits

?

Referring to clothing size/style

,

is arranged / is set

?

Referring to a meeting or agreement

Also:

looks

?

Referring to appearance (e.g., 'it looks good')

📝 In Action

Dudo que esta chaqueta me quede bien.

B1

I doubt this jacket fits me well.

Aunque la luz no le quede bien, él es feliz.

B2

Even though the lighting doesn't look good on him, he is happy.

Sugiero que la hora de la cita quede para las tres.

B1

I suggest that the time for the appointment be set for three o'clock.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sugiero (I suggest)
  • combine ((that it) suits)

Common Collocations

  • que le quede grandethat it be too big for him/her
  • que quede fijothat it be established

💡 Grammar Points

Expressing Opinions and Doubt

When talking about how something looks or fits and you express doubt ('No creo que...' or 'Dudo que...'), use 'quede' instead of 'queda'.

Setting Agreements

When arranging a time or place, 'quede' is often used to establish the final decision: 'El precio quede en 50 euros' (The price is set at 50 euros).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Incorrect Use with Clothing

Mistake: "Quiero que queda perfecta. (Incorrect verb form)"

Correction: Quiero que quede perfecta. (After 'Quiero que...' (I want that...), Spanish requires the 'quede' form.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Reflexive Context

Remember that quedar can also be used reflexively as quedarse (e.g., to stay somewhere). 'Quede' can also be part of the reflexive command: '¡Que no se quede solo!' (May he not be left alone!).

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedqueda
yoquedo
quedas
ellos/ellas/ustedesquedan
nosotrosquedamos
vosotrosquedáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedquedaba
yoquedaba
quedabas
ellos/ellas/ustedesquedaban
nosotrosquedábamos
vosotrosquedabais

preterite

él/ella/ustedquedó
yoquedé
quedaste
ellos/ellas/ustedesquedaron
nosotrosquedamos
vosotrosquedasteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedquede
yoquede
quedas
ellos/ellas/ustedesqueden
nosotrosquedemos
vosotrosquedéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedquedara/quedase
yoquedara/quedase
quedaras/quedases
ellos/ellas/ustedesquedaran/quedasen
nosotrosquedáramos/quedásemos
vosotrosquedarais/quedaseis

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: quede

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'quede' as a formal command?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'quede' and 'queda'?

'Queda' is a statement of fact in the present tense (He/She/It remains or fits: 'Él queda aquí'). 'Quede' is used for wishes, doubts, commands, and suggestions (I hope he stays: 'Espero que quede aquí').

When does 'quedar' mean 'to arrange a meeting'?

When the base verb *quedar* is used with plural subjects, it often means 'to agree to meet' or 'to arrange to meet.' For example: 'Quedaron en verse mañana' (They arranged to see each other tomorrow).