toque de queda
/ˌtoke de ˈkeda/masculine
The English word curfew is translated into Spanish as toque de queda. If unsure, use toque de queda. Wiktionary also lists cubrefuego.
Meaning: regulation requiring people to be off the streets and in their homes by a certain time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| toque de queda | /ˌtoke de ˈkeda/ | masculine |
| cubrefuego | /kubɾefweɡo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A curfew is a regulation requiring people to be off the streets and in their homes by a certain time. You can use the phrase violar el toque de queda to mean 'to violate the curfew'. If you are describing a curfew implemented for sanitary reasons, use toque de queda sanitario. To describe an extended curfew, you can use either toque de queda prolongado or toque de queda extendido.
Which one should you use?
While toque de queda is the standard term, cubrefuego is a much less common, archaic or highly specific regional term for curfew.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of toque de queda is toques de queda, where only the first word changes to indicate plurality.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtoke de ˈkeda/
Did you know?
- While toque de queda sounds like 'touch of stay', the word toque refers to the sounding of a horn or bell used to announce the curfew to the public.
- The term cubrefuego literally translates to 'cover fire', reflecting the ancient practice of covering the hearth fire at night to signal the end of the day.
- The term toque de queda is used not only for government laws but also colloquially by parents to set a 'deadline' for teenagers returning home.
Examples in context
- ¿Hay toque de queda?Is there a curfew?This sentence is useful for asking if a curfew exists.Tatoeba #1441336 by marcelostockle, translation #323939 by CK
- No tengo un toque de queda.I don't have a curfew.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not have a curfew.Tatoeba #5053449 by albrusgher, translation #2276018 by CK
- El toque de queda es a las 10 pm.The curfew is at 10 pm.This sentence is useful for stating what time the curfew begins.Tatoeba #1704752 by marcelostockle, translation #1702445 by Spamster
- De acuerdo con el toque de queda, todos los ciudadanos deben permanecer en sus hogares desde las 10 p.m. hasta las 6 a.m.According to the curfew, all citizens must remain in their homes from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- El gobierno ha anunciado un toque de queda para garantizar la seguridad de todos los ciudadanos.The government has announced a curfew to ensure the safety of all citizens.
- Mis padres me pusieron una hora límite de regreso a casa durante la semana.My parents set a curfew for me during weekdays.
- El toque de queda comienza a las 9 p.m.The curfew begins at 9 p.m.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing the new city regulations.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿sabes algo sobre el nuevo toque de queda?María, do you know anything about the new curfew?
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, es para mantener la seguridad.Yes, Alejandro, it is to maintain safety.
- AlejandroEntiendo, pero el toque de queda es muy estricto.I understand, but the curfew is very strict.
- MaríaEs necesario por ahora.It is necessary for now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “curfew” translations and entries toque de queda, cubrefuego, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cubrefuego, de, queda, toque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
