How to Say "square" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “square” is “cuadrado” — use 'cuadrado' as an adjective when describing something that has the shape of a square, with four equal sides and four right angles.
cuadrado
kwah-DRAH-dohkwaˈðɾaðo
Examples
Necesito una caja cuadrada para este regalo.
I need a square box for this gift.
La mesa del comedor es cuadrada.
The dining room table is square.
Las baldosas del baño son blancas y cuadradas.
The bathroom tiles are white and square.
El niño dibujó un cuadrado en su cuaderno.
The boy drew a square in his notebook.
Changing for Gender
This word ends in 'o,' so it changes to 'cuadrada' if the thing it describes is feminine (like 'la mesa').
Math talk
When you want to say a number is 'squared,' use the phrase 'al cuadrado' (e.g., 'cinco al cuadrado').
Square vs. Picture
Mistake: “Using 'cuadro' to mean the shape.”
Correction: Use 'cuadrado' for the shape. 'Cuadro' usually means a painting or a picture frame.
cuadrado
kwah-DRAH-dohkwaˈðɾaðo
Examples
El niño dibujó un cuadrado en su cuaderno.
The boy drew a square in his notebook.
Necesito una caja cuadrada para este regalo.
I need a square box for this gift.
La mesa del comedor es cuadrada.
The dining room table is square.
Las baldosas del baño son blancas y cuadradas.
The bathroom tiles are white and square.
Changing for Gender
This word ends in 'o,' so it changes to 'cuadrada' if the thing it describes is feminine (like 'la mesa').
Math talk
When you want to say a number is 'squared,' use the phrase 'al cuadrado' (e.g., 'cinco al cuadrado').
Square vs. Picture
Mistake: “Using 'cuadro' to mean the shape.”
Correction: Use 'cuadrado' for the shape. 'Cuadro' usually means a painting or a picture frame.
casilla
ka-see-yakaˈsiʝa
Examples
Mueve tu ficha a la casilla de salida.
Move your piece to the starting square.
Tienes que marcar esta casilla si estás de acuerdo.
You have to check this box if you agree.
El caballo se mueve a una casilla blanca.
The knight moves to a white square.
Small House, Big Meaning
The word comes from 'casa' (house) plus the ending '-illa' which usually means 'small'. So, a 'casilla' is literally a 'tiny house' or a small defined space.
Using 'Casilla' for Forms
When a website or paper form asks you to 'check the box,' always use 'marcar la casilla.' Don't use 'caja' here!
Casilla vs. Caja
Mistake: “Voy a marcar la caja.”
Correction: Voy a marcar la casilla.
cuadro
KWAA-drohˈkwaðɾo
Examples
Dibuja un cuadro perfecto con cuatro lados iguales.
Draw a perfect square with four equal sides.
El cuadro de la bicicleta es demasiado grande para mí.
The frame of the bicycle is too big for me.
Using 'Cuadrado'
Mistake: “Using 'cuadro' when you mean the adjective 'square-shaped'.”
Correction: Use 'cuadrado' (adjective) to describe something that is square: 'una mesa cuadrada'. Use 'cuadro' (noun) to refer to the object itself: 'un cuadro'.
manzana
mahn-SAH-nahmanˈsana
Examples
El supermercado está a tres manzanas de mi casa.
The supermarket is three blocks from my house.
Tuvimos que dar la vuelta a la manzana para encontrar un aparcamiento.
We had to drive around the block to find parking.
Using 'a' for Distance
When talking about distance using 'manzana' (block), you often use the preposition 'a' (at/to), as in 'a dos manzanas' (two blocks away).
Geometric Shape vs. Game Space
Related Translations
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