cuadra
Lemma Details
Translation: block; stable; horse stable; city block; square
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'quadra' meaning 'square' or 'block', which comes from 'quadrus' (square). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'quadrant', 'quadrilateral', and 'square'. The evolution from Latin 'quadra' to Spanish 'cuadra' shows the typical Spanish development of 'qu' to 'cu'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'quadrant' or 'square' to remember 'cuadra' refers to a square city block.
- Associate 'cuadra' with 'quadruped' (four-legged animal) to remember its meaning as a stable for horses.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Latin American cities, particularly in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and other parts of South America, 'cuadra' is commonly used to measure distance in urban areas. When someone says something is 'a dos cuadras' (two blocks away), it's a standard way of giving directions. In rural contexts, 'cuadra' more commonly refers to a stable for horses.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Cuadra' is a noun meaning 'block' or 'stable', while 'cuadrado' is an adjective meaning 'square' or a noun meaning 'a square'.
Notes: Both words share the same Latin root related to squares and four-sided shapes.
Mnemonic: 'Cuadra' ends in 'a' like 'manzana' (another word for block), while 'cuadrado' ends in 'o' like 'geométrico' (geometric).
Explanation: 'Cuadra' refers to a block or stable, while 'cuadro' means 'painting', 'picture', or 'frame'.
Notes: Both words derive from the same Latin root related to squares.
Mnemonic: Think of 'cuadro' as a framed square (picture) and 'cuadra' as a square block of buildings.