plaza
/ˈplaθa/feminine
The English phrase 'plaza' is translated into Spanish as plaza. Wiktionary also lists zócalo.
Meaning: a towns' public square (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| plaza | /ˈplaθa/ /ˈplasa/ |
feminine |
| zócalo | /ˈθokalo/ /ˈsokalo/ |
masculine |
A plaza refers to a town's public square. In Spain, the formal term Plaza Mayor is often used to refer to the main square of a town or city.
Which one should you use?
While plaza is a general term for any square, zócalo is a specific term used in Mexico to refer to the central main square of a city.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term zócalo specifically refers to the main square of a city or town. In Cuba, some locals use the word parque to refer to a public gathering space or park that serves a similar purpose to a plaza.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word plaza is a feminine noun, and its plural form is las plazas. The word zócalo is masculine and is used with the definite article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈplaθa/
Did you know?
- While plaza usually means a square, it is also used in Spanish to mean a 'job opening' or a 'seat' in a school. This refers to a specific allocated spot within an organization.
- The word zócalo shares a linguistic ancestor with the Latin word for 'slipper'. Both derive from socculus, which described a small base or foot.
- In Mexico, the term zócalo originally referred to the stone platforms or bases that remained after the Aztec temples were destroyed to build the colonial city.
Examples in context
- En la plaza sortean una cerda.In the plaza they're raffling off a pig.This sentence shows the use of plaza in the context of a raffle.Tatoeba #1240717 by wallebot, translation #10612208 by sangelo
- Fui a la plaza ayer a la noche.I went to the plaza last night.This sentence uses plaza to describe a past visit at night.Tatoeba #4774167 by DarkHollow, translation #3899175 by dtinny13
- Están construyendo una nueva plaza.They're building a new plaza.This sentence uses plaza to describe the construction of a new square.Tatoeba #4558449 by cueyayotl, translation #4567921 by Wierdmin
- El evento se realizará en la plaza central.The event will take place in the central plaza.
- La plaza de mi ciudad es muy concurrida.The plaza in my city is very busy.
- La Plaza Mayor de Madrid es un lugar impresionante.Madrid's Plaza Mayor is an impressive place.
- Vamos a encontrarnos en la plazoleta cerca del mercado.Let's meet at the small square near the market.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are deciding where to meet.
- Sofía¿Dónde quieres quedar, Daniel?Where do you want to meet, Daniel?
- DanielPodemos encontrarnos en la plaza.We can meet in the square.
- SofíaMe parece bien la plaza.The square sounds good to me.
- DanielPerfecto, te espero allí.Perfect, I will wait for you there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plaza” translations and entries plaza, zócalo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries plaza, zócalo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
