cuadra (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Cuadra is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈkwadra/

Translation Options into English

1. Block (in the context of urban areas)
2. Stable (in the context of animals)
3. Yard (as in a courtyard or enclosed space)

Meaning and Usage

The term cuadra has several meanings in Spanish depending on the context in which it is used:

1. Urban Context: Refers to a city block or the segment of a street enclosed by buildings. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when giving directions or discussing locations.

2. Agricultural Context: Refers to a stable or a pen where animals, usually horses, are kept. This use is also prevalent in rural areas.

3. Colloquial Use: In some Latin American countries, particularly in Peru, cuadra can also denote a yard or a closed-off area, often used for recreational purposes or as a small garden.

The frequency of use tends to favor oral speech, especially in everyday conversation, though it is also commonly encountered in written urban planning and agricultural contexts.

Example Sentences

1. El parque está a solo dos cuadras de aquí.
   (The park is only two blocks from here.)

2. Los caballos están en la cuadra, esperando ser alimentados.
   (The horses are in the stable, waiting to be fed.)

3. La cuadra de mi casa tiene muchos árboles y flores.
   (The yard of my house has many trees and flowers.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The word cuadra is used in various idiomatic expressions. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Estar en la misma cuadra - To be on the same wavelength or to agree with someone.

2. Estamos en la misma cuadra sobre el proyecto.
   (We are on the same page about the project.)

3. Dar la vuelta a la cuadra - To change direction in a situation or to reconsider a decision.

4. Necesito dar la vuelta a la cuadra y pensar mejor las cosas.
   (I need to reconsider and think things through better.)

5. No dar una cuadra - To not give an inch or to not yield/compromise.

6. Ella no da una cuadra en sus principios.
   (She does not budge an inch on her principles.)

7. Tener la cuadra llena - To be overwhelmed or to have too much on one's plate.

8. Ahora mismo tengo la cuadra llena con el trabajo y los exámenes.
   (Right now I have too much on my plate with work and exams.)

Etymology

The word cuadra comes from the Latin term quadrata, which means "square" or "four-cornered." This etymology reflects the shape of city blocks and the concept of enclosed yards or stables.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Manzana (when referring to a block in urban contexts) - Establo (when referring to a stable)

Antonyms: - Calle (when discussing urban spaces) - Campo (in the context of open land, as opposed to an enclosed yard)