Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cuadrícula | /kwaˈdɾikula/ | feminine |
| retícula | /reˈtikula/ | feminine |
Use cuadrícula when referring to a rectangular array of equal-sized squares or rectangles, such as the pattern in a crossword puzzle or the physical layout of streets in a city.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cuadrícula is derived from cuadro, which means square or frame.
Which one should you use?
While both cuadrícula and retícula can be translated as 'grid', retícula is more commonly used in technical contexts like graphic design or to describe a fine mesh or network. Additionally, the term red can serve as a formal term for 'grid', though it primarily translates to 'network'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the term grilla is used instead of cuadrícula to refer to a grid. In Spain, particularly in the southern regions, the term parrilla can be used to describe a grid-like structure.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cuadrícula is cuadrículas. The related verb cuadricular means to mark with.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwaˈdɾikula/
Did you know?
- The word cuadrícula shares a root with cuadro, which means 'square' but is also the standard Spanish word for a 'painting'.
- While cuadrícula is the standard term, speakers in Argentina and Uruguay use grilla, which is a direct loanword from the Italian 'griglia'.
- The term red is used for a 'grid' in technical contexts, but it literally translates to 'net', as in a fishing net.
Examples in context
- Era imposible construir la ciudad siguiendo una cuadrícula dado que las características topográficas del terreno eran muy irregulares.It was impossible to build the city according to a grid since the topographical features of the land were so irregular.This sentence is useful for describing how topographical features can make it difficult to build a city according to a cuadrícula.Tatoeba #10456928 by Seael, translation #9969600 by AlanF_US
- Por favor complete el formulario en la cuadrícula proporcionada.Please fill in the form within the provided grid.
- La cuadrícula del calendario muestra los días de la semana.The calendar grid displays the days of the week.
- El plano de la ciudad muestra una red de calles.The city map displays a street grid.
- Podemos hacer una tabla para organizar los nombres.We can create a grid/table to organize the names.
- Coloca los números en la grilla según corresponda.Place the numbers in the grid as appropriate.
- La parrilla del jardín tiene un diseño enrejado.The garden grill has a grid-patterned design.
- Completa la cuadrícula del crucigrama.Complete the crossword grid.
- Dibuja una cuadrícula en el papel.Draw a grid on the paper.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are working on a school project together.
- Sofía¿Puedes dibujar la cuadrícula en la cartulina?Can you draw the grid on the poster board?
- MateoSí, Sofía, la haré ahora mismo.Yes, Sofía, I will do it right now.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo, necesitamos que sea perfecta.Thanks, Mateo, we need it to be perfect.
- MateoNo te preocupes, quedará muy bien.Don't worry, it will look great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grid” translations and entries cuadrícula, retícula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
