queden
/KEH-dehn/
they remain
Queden can mean 'they remain' (as in, things being left behind).
queden(verb)
they remain
?subjunctive: expressing desire/doubt about things being left
,you (plural, formal) remain
?imperative: formal command to stay/be left
they are left
?referring to things or amounts
,they stay
?referring to location or status
📝 In Action
Espero que no queden dudas sobre el plan.
B1I hope that no doubts remain about the plan.
Que queden solo los que tienen entrada.
B2Let only those who have tickets remain.
No creo que queden más boletos.
A2I don't think there are any more tickets left.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Trigger
"Queden" is the special verb form used when you express doubt, desire, or emotion about whether things are left or remain: 'Dudo que queden' (I doubt they remain).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong mood for uncertainty
Mistake: "No creo que quedan entradas."
Correction: No creo que queden entradas. (When expressing doubt or disbelief, Spanish requires the subjunctive form 'queden'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the quantity
Use this meaning of 'queden' when you are counting or discussing what is physically or conceptually leftover after an event.
When referring to location or temporary residence, queden means 'they stay'.
queden(verb)
they stay
?location or temporary residence
,they agree to meet
?making an appointment (often uses quedarse)
you (plural, formal) stay
?formal command regarding location
📝 In Action
Sugiero que queden en la cafetería del centro.
B1I suggest they meet (agree on a place) at the downtown cafeteria.
Les pedí que queden en silencio durante la prueba.
B2I asked them to stay silent during the test.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive after Suggestion
When someone suggests or recommends that a group of people meet or stay somewhere, you must use 'queden': 'Recomiendo que queden en la entrada' (I recommend that they meet at the entrance).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'se' (Reflexive)
Mistake: "Van a quedar en casa toda la noche."
Correction: Van a quedarse en casa toda la noche. (When talking about staying in a location, *quedarse* (reflexive) is far more common than *quedar*.)
Queden is used when talking about clothing or appearance, meaning 'they fit'.
queden(verb)
they fit
?clothing or appearance
,they turn out
?result or outcome
they look
?appearance
📝 In Action
Dudo que esos zapatos les queden bien.
B2I doubt those shoes fit them well.
Ella quiere que las fotos queden perfectas.
C1She wants the photos to turn out perfect.
💡 Grammar Points
Expressing Wishes for Results
When you use verbs like 'querer' (to want) or 'desear' (to wish) about how things turn out, you need 'queden': 'Quiero que queden contentos' (I want them to end up happy).
⭐ Usage Tips
Quedar vs. Ser/Estar
Unlike ser or estar, quedar describes the result or impression of something. For example, 'La casa quedó limpia' (The house ended up clean, or was left clean).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: queden
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'queden' to express a desire for a meeting time?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'queden' sometimes mean 'they stay' and sometimes 'they are left'?
The base verb 'quedar' is all about location or status. If we talk about objects, it means 'what is left' (remaining). If we talk about people, it usually means 'where they are located' or 'where they stay.' Both ideas stem from the core meaning of 'settling' somewhere.
Is 'queden' a command?
Yes, 'queden' is the formal command for 'ustedes' (you plural, formal). For example, '¡Queden aquí!' means 'Stay here!' (commanding a group formally). It is also the verb form used when you command or request something of 'ellos' or 'ellas' indirectly: 'Que queden en silencio' (Let them stay silent).