queden
“queden” means “they remain” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
they remain, you (plural, formal) remain
Also: they are left, they stay
📝 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.
they stay, they agree to meet
Also: you (plural, formal) stay
📝 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.
they fit, they turn out
Also: they look
📝 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.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: queden
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'queden' to express a desire for a meeting time?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word *quietare*, meaning 'to quiet' or 'to settle down.' Over time, this evolved in Spanish to mean 'to settle in a place' or 'to remain.'
First recorded: Early Romance languages (circa 10th-11th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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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).