quinta
/KEEN-tah/
country house
A beautiful country house used as a vacation property.
📝 In Action
Alquilamos una quinta cerca del río para pasar el verano.
B1We rented a country house near the river to spend the summer.
La quinta de mis abuelos tiene un jardín enorme y una piscina.
B2My grandparents' estate has a huge garden and a swimming pool.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun
Since 'quinta' ends in -a, it is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la quinta', 'una quinta grande').
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Use
This meaning is very common in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Spain, often specifically referring to a place used for relaxation outside the city.
Highlighting the fifth position in a sequence.
📝 In Action
Esta es la quinta vez que intento llamarte.
A2This is the fifth time I've tried to call you.
Ella llegó en la quinta posición de la carrera.
B1She arrived in fifth position in the race.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching Gender
As an adjective, 'quinta' must agree with the feminine noun it describes (e.g., 'la hora' -> 'la quinta hora', but 'el piso' -> 'el quinto piso').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong form
Mistake: "Using 'quinto' when talking about a feminine noun like 'mesa' (table)."
Correction: Always use 'quinta' for feminine nouns: 'la quinta mesa' (the fifth table).
Depicting the mandatory military draft or conscription.
📝 In Action
Hizo la quinta en el año 1985, como era costumbre.
B2He did the draft (military service) in 1985, as was customary.
Toda su quinta fue enviada a la frontera.
C1His entire age group (of conscripts) was sent to the border.
💡 Grammar Points
Historical Context
This meaning is often used when discussing historical periods or countries where mandatory military service (the draft) was common.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quinta
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'quinta' applies when talking about a large vacation property?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'quinta' the same as 'finca'?
They are similar, but 'finca' is a broader term meaning any piece of property, often a farm or land. 'Quinta' specifically suggests a comfortable country home or estate used for leisure, often rented or owned by city dwellers.
How do I know if 'quinta' means 'fifth' or 'country house'?
If it is used alone as a noun, it likely means 'country house' (e.g., 'Vamos a la quinta'). If it appears before a feminine noun, it is acting as the number 'fifth' (e.g., 'la quinta vez' — the fifth time).