Inklingo

How to Say "squad" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “squad” is “patrulla” — use 'patrulla' for a small, often mobile, military or security unit performing routine patrols or responding to immediate situations.

patrulla🔊A2

Use 'patrulla' for a small, often mobile, military or security unit performing routine patrols or responding to immediate situations.

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escuadrón🔊B1

Choose 'escuadrón' for a specific, typically small, military detachment or a police unit, often implying a specialized function.

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pelotón🔊B1

Use 'pelotón' to refer to a standard police or military detachment, often implying a larger, more formal unit than a patrol.

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selección🔊B1

Use 'selección' for a national team or a group of representatives chosen to compete in a sport or event.

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brigada🔊B1

Opt for 'brigada' when referring to a small, organized group working together on a specific task, especially in a non-military or non-police context like a work crew.

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plantel🔊B1

Use 'plantel' specifically for the entire roster or list of players belonging to a sports team.

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cuadro🔊B1

Use 'cuadro' for a team, especially in sports, or more broadly for a staff or management group within a company.

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batallón🔊B1

Employ 'batallón' for a large, specific, and organized military unit, typically larger than a company.

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comando🔊B1

Use 'comando' for a small, elite, and specialized group, often in a military or police context, trained for specific high-risk operations.

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seleccionado🔊B1

Use 'seleccionado' to refer to the members of a selected team or group, particularly a national sports team.

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English → Spanish

patrulla

pah-TROO-yahpaˈtɾuʝa

nounA2general
Use 'patrulla' for a small, often mobile, military or security unit performing routine patrols or responding to immediate situations.
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

ess-kwah-DRONes.kwaˈðɾon

nounB1general
Choose 'escuadrón' for a specific, typically small, military detachment or a police unit, often implying a specialized function.
A simple illustration showing three small, stylized fighter jets flying closely together in a tight V-formation against a clear blue sky, representing a military squadron.

Examples

El escuadrón de reconocimiento regresó después de completar su misión.

The reconnaissance squadron returned after completing its mission.

El jefe del escuadrón dio la orden de avanzar.

The squadron leader gave the order to advance.

En la película, un escuadrón de aviones de combate defendió la ciudad.

In the movie, a squadron of fighter jets defended the city.

Masculine Noun

Even though it refers to a group, 'escuadrón' is always a masculine word, so use 'el escuadrón' and masculine adjectives.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La escuadrón (using feminine article)”

Correction: El escuadrón (always masculine). Remember that many words ending in '-ón' are masculine.

pelotón

peh-loh-TONpeloˈton

nounB1general
Use 'pelotón' to refer to a standard police or military detachment, often implying a larger, more formal unit than a patrol.
A small group of five soldiers wearing green uniforms standing in a neat formation on a grassy field, representing a platoon.

Examples

El sargento ordenó al pelotón marchar a la posición.

The sergeant ordered the platoon to march to the position.

Un pelotón de policías llegó para controlar la situación.

A squad of police officers arrived to control the situation.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though it refers to a group of people, 'pelotón' is always a masculine noun, so it takes masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'el pelotón', 'un pelotón grande').

selección

seh-lek-SYONse.lekˈsjon

nounB1sports
Use 'selección' for a national team or a group of representatives chosen to compete in a sport or event.
A group of soccer players in matching blue and white uniforms standing together on a green field.

Examples

La selección argentina ganó la Copa del Mundo.

The Argentine national team won the World Cup.

Mañana juega la selección.

The national team plays tomorrow.

Collective Nouns

Even though 'la selección' refers to a whole team of players, the verb that follows it should stay singular: 'La selección juega' (The team plays).

brigada

bree-GAH-dahbɾiˈɣaða

nounB1general
Opt for 'brigada' when referring to a small, organized group working together on a specific task, especially in a non-military or non-police context like a work crew.
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'.

plantel

plan-TELplanˈtel

nounB1sports
Use 'plantel' specifically for the entire roster or list of players belonging to a sports team.
A group of soccer players in matching blue uniforms standing together in a line on a green field.

Examples

El equipo renovó a todo su plantel para la nueva temporada.

The team renewed its entire squad for the new season.

El plantel docente se reunirá mañana para discutir los cambios.

The teaching staff will meet tomorrow to discuss the changes.

Contamos con un plantel de expertos en tecnología.

We have a staff of technology experts.

A group word

Even though 'plantel' refers to many people, the word itself is singular. Use singular verbs, like 'El plantel está listo' (The squad is ready).

Professional touch

While 'equipo' means team, 'plantel' sounds more official or professional, often used in news reports or formal business contexts.

Referring to one person

Mistake: “Él es un buen plantel.”

Correction: Él es parte del plantel.

cuadro

KWAA-drohˈkwaðɾo

nounB1sports, business
Use 'cuadro' for a team, especially in sports, or more broadly for a staff or management group within a company.
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

ba-ta-YOHNbataˈjon

nounB1military
Employ 'batallón' for a large, specific, and organized military unit, typically larger than a company.
A row of several identical soldiers standing at attention in matching uniforms.

Examples

El batallón avanzó hacia la frontera al amanecer.

The battalion advanced toward the border at dawn.

Mi abuelo perteneció a un batallón de infantería.

My grandfather belonged to an infantry battalion.

Identifying Gender

Words ending in '-ón' are almost always masculine, so you use 'el' or 'un'.

comando

koh-MAHN-dohkoˈmando

nounB1military, police
Use 'comando' for a small, elite, and specialized group, often in a military or police context, trained for specific high-risk 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'.

seleccionado

seh-lek-syon-AH-dohseleksjoˈnaðo

nounB1sports
Use 'seleccionado' to refer to the members of a selected team or group, particularly a national sports team.
A soccer player in a bright jersey standing proudly on a field holding a ball.

Examples

El seleccionado argentino llegó hoy al país.

The Argentine national team arrived in the country today.

Varios seleccionados están lesionados para el próximo partido.

Several national team players are injured for the next match.

Es el sueño de todo joven ser un seleccionado nacional.

It is every young person's dream to be a national team player.

Group vs. Individual

In many countries, 'el seleccionado' refers to the whole team as one unit. If you are talking about just one player, you also say 'un seleccionado'.

Military vs. Sports vs. Work Groups

The most common mistake is using military terms like 'escuadrón' or 'pelotón' for sports teams. Remember that 'selección,' 'plantel,' and 'cuadro' are specifically for sports contexts, while 'brigada' often refers to work crews. Always consider the group's purpose before choosing a translation.

Related Translations

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