Inklingo

How to Say "squad" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “squad” is “patrulla” — use 'patrulla' for a small military or security unit, often on patrol or guard duty..

patrulla🔊A2

Use 'patrulla' for a small military or security unit, often on patrol or guard duty.

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escuadrónB1

Choose 'escuadrón' for a specific police unit or a small military detachment, often with a particular function like reconnaissance.

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pelotónB1

Use 'pelotón' for a police or military detachment, typically a larger group than a patrol, often involved in organized movement or action.

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brigada🔊B1

Use 'brigada' for a small group of people working together, especially for a specific task like cleaning or a small fire-fighting unit.

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selecciónB1

Use 'selección' when referring to a national sports team or any group of chosen representatives.

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comando🔊B1

Choose 'comando' for a small, highly specialized group, often military or police, trained for dangerous or covert operations.

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cuadro🔊B1

Use 'cuadro' specifically for a sports team, or metaphorically for a group of key personnel like a management team.

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batallónB1

Use 'batallón' for a large, specific, organized military unit, larger than a platoon or squadron.

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English → Spanish

patrulla

pah-TROO-yah/paˈtɾuʝa/

nounA2general
Use 'patrulla' for a small military or security unit, often on patrol or guard duty.
Three uniformed security guards walking together in a line across a path, suggesting a group tasked with surveillance.

Examples

Una patrulla de policía llegó rápidamente al lugar del accidente.

A police patrol arrived quickly at the scene of the accident.

La patrulla de rescate encontró al excursionista perdido.

The rescue squad found the lost hiker.

Gender Reminder

Even though it refers to a group of people, 'patrulla' is always a feminine noun, so use 'la' or 'una' before it.

escuadrón

nounB1general
Choose 'escuadrón' for a specific police unit or a small military detachment, often with a particular function like reconnaissance.

Examples

El escuadrón de reconocimiento regresó después de completar su misión.

The reconnaissance squadron returned after completing its mission.

pelotón

nounB1general
Use 'pelotón' for a police or military detachment, typically a larger group than a patrol, often involved in organized movement or action.

Examples

El sargento ordenó al pelotón marchar a la posición.

The sergeant ordered the platoon to march to the position.

brigada

/bree-GAH-dah//bɾiˈɣaða/

nounB1general
Use 'brigada' for a small group of people working together, especially for a specific task like cleaning or a small fire-fighting unit.
An illustration showing three diverse individuals collaborating happily around a table with a simple blueprint, symbolizing a work team.

Examples

La brigada de limpieza llegó a las seis de la mañana.

The cleaning crew arrived at six in the morning.

Necesitamos una brigada de voluntarios para pintar la escuela.

We need a team of volunteers to paint the school.

El jefe de brigada revisó el plan de trabajo.

The team leader reviewed the work plan.

Feminine Noun

Even though a 'brigada' is often made up of men and women, the word itself is always feminine, so you must use 'la brigada' or 'una brigada'.

selección

nounB1sports
Use 'selección' when referring to a national sports team or any group of chosen representatives.

Examples

La selección argentina ganó la Copa del Mundo.

The Argentine national team won the World Cup.

comando

/koh-MAHN-doh//koˈmando/

nounB1military/police
Choose 'comando' for a small, highly specialized group, often military or police, trained for dangerous or covert operations.
A drawing of a soldier wearing camouflage and a helmet, crouching low in a jungle setting, symbolizing a special forces soldier.

Examples

El comando de élite realizó una operación secreta en la madrugada.

The elite commando unit carried out a secret operation at dawn.

Atraparon a los criminales gracias a un comando policial.

They caught the criminals thanks to a police squad.

El soldado es parte de un comando antiterrorista.

The soldier is part of an anti-terrorist commando team.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'comando' ends in '-o', it is always a masculine noun, meaning you use 'el' (the) and 'un' (a/an) with it: 'el comando'.

cuadro

/KWAA-droh//ˈkwaðɾo/

nounB1sports/business
Use 'cuadro' specifically for a sports team, or metaphorically for a group of key personnel like a management team.
A diverse group of four smiling professionals standing together in a formal setting, representing a team.

Examples

Necesitamos reforzar el cuadro directivo de la empresa.

We need to reinforce the company's management staff.

El entrenador cambió el cuadro titular antes del partido.

The coach changed the starting squad before the match.

Collective Noun

In this context, 'cuadro' refers to a group of people, acting as a collective noun, similar to 'team' or 'staff' in English.

batallón

nounB1military
Use 'batallón' for a large, specific, organized military unit, larger than a platoon or squadron.

Examples

El batallón avanzó hacia la frontera al amanecer.

The battalion advanced toward the border at dawn.

Military vs. General Groups

Learners often confuse 'patrulla', 'escuadrón', and 'pelotón' when referring to military or police groups. Remember that 'patrulla' is usually the smallest, 'escuadrón' can be specialized, and 'pelotón' is a standard military/police detachment. 'Brigada' is more for general work groups.

Related Translations

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