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How to Say "quarter" in Spanish

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cuarto

/KWAR-toh//ˈkwaɾ.to/

NounA2General
Use 'cuarto' when referring to one of four equal parts, most commonly when telling time (a quarter past the hour) or a fraction of an item.
A round, colorful pie that has been perfectly sliced into four equal pieces, with one slice slightly pulled away from the main pie.

Examples

Necesito un cuarto de hora para terminar.

I need a quarter of an hour to finish.

Son las cinco y cuarto.

It's a quarter past five.

Falta un cuarto para las diez.

It's a quarter to ten.

Necesito un cuarto de kilo de jamón.

I need a quarter of a kilo of ham.

Telling Time with 'Cuarto'

To say 'quarter past' the hour, you use 'y cuarto'. To say 'quarter to' the hour, you use 'menos cuarto'. For example, 2:15 is 'las dos y cuarto' and 2:45 is 'las tres menos cuarto'.

barrio

/BAH-rryo//ˈba.rjo/

NounA1General
Choose 'barrio' to refer to a specific neighborhood or district within a city, especially one with a distinct identity or history.
A colorful illustration depicting a quiet street lined with several small, distinct houses, representing a typical neighborhood or local area.

Examples

Mi amigo vive en el barrio antiguo.

My friend lives in the old quarter.

¿En qué barrio vives de Madrid?

Which neighborhood of Madrid do you live in?

Este barrio tiene muchas tiendas pequeñas y cafés.

This district has many small shops and cafes.

El ayuntamiento está planeando mejorar los parques del barrio residencial.

The city council is planning to improve the parks in the residential neighborhood.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'barrio' is a masculine noun, always use the masculine articles: 'el barrio' (the neighborhood) or 'un barrio' (a neighborhood).

Confusing 'barrio' and 'pueblo'

Mistake: “Using 'barrio' when referring to a small, separate town.”

Correction: A 'barrio' is a part of a larger city. If it's a small town outside a major city, use 'pueblo'.

periodo

peh-ree-OH-doh/peˈɾjoðo/

NounB1General
Use 'periodo' for a division of time, such as a term in school, a fiscal quarter, or a period in a sports game.
A stack of colorful school books next to a bright red apple and a yellow pencil, symbolizing an academic term or session.

Examples

El segundo periodo del partido está por terminar.

The second quarter of the game is about to end.

El primer periodo escolar comienza en septiembre.

The first school term starts in September.

Solo quedan dos minutos en el último periodo del partido.

There are only two minutes left in the last quarter of the game.

El presidente tiene un periodo de mandato de cuatro años.

The president has a four-year term of office.

Context is Key

When talking about school, 'periodo' often refers to the entire 'semester' or 'term,' not just a single class session (which is usually 'clase' or 'hora').

Time vs. Neighborhood

The most common confusion arises between 'cuarto' for time (like 'a quarter past') and 'barrio' for a city district. Remember that 'cuarto' specifically relates to a fraction or part of something, including time, while 'barrio' always refers to a geographical area or neighborhood.

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