quinta
“quinta” means “country house” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
country house, villa
Also: farmhouse
📝 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.
fifth
📝 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.
military draft
Also: conscripts
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "quinta" in Spanish:
conscripts→country house→farmhouse→military draft→villa→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: quinta
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'quinta' applies when talking about a large vacation property?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin word *quintus*, meaning 'fifth'. Originally, 'quinta' referred to a rural property where the tenant paid rent equal to one-fifth of the harvest. This meaning then evolved to simply mean the property itself (the country house). The meaning relating to the military draft also comes from 'fifth,' as conscripts were historically selected by lot from every fifth person.
First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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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).