escuadra
/esˈkwadɾa/feminine
The English word squad can be translated into Spanish as escuadra or cuadrilla.
Meaning: small group of people organized for a purpose (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| escuadra | /esˈkwadɾa/ | feminine |
| cuadrilla | /kwaˈdɾiʝa/ | feminine |
A squad refers to a small group of people organized for a purpose. Depending on the context, this can mean a military or technical unit, a work crew or a close-knit group of friends.
Which one should you use?
Escuadra is used when referring to a military squad or a technical group organized for a specific task. In contrast, cuadrilla is used to refer to a work crew, such as a group of laborers, a construction crew or a bullfighting team, as well as a casual squad of friends or associates.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Mexico, the slang term banda is used to refer to a close group of friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both escuadra and cuadrilla are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈkwadɾa/
Did you know?
- The term escuadra is also used in Spanish to describe a carpenter's square or a drafting tool used to create right angles.
- While banda is used as 'squad' in Mexico, the word literally means 'band' as in a musical group.
- While escuadra often implies a formal or rigid structure, calling a group of friends a cuadrilla can sometimes sound old-fashioned or evoke the image of a traditional folk dance troupe.
Examples in context
- El equipo de fútbol ganó el partido.The soccer squad won the match.
- El equipo de investigación está compuesto por expertos reconocidos.The research squad is composed of renowned experts.
- El grupo de seguridad está encargado de proteger el evento.The security squad is in charge of protecting the event.
- La escuadra de soldados marchó en perfecta formación.The soldier squad marched in perfect formation.
- Salimos con nuestra pandilla a disfrutar de la playa.We went out with our squad to enjoy the beach.
- La pandilla de amigos siempre se reúne los viernes.The friend squad always gets together on Fridays.
- Mis amigos y yo formamos un buen grupo.My friends and I form a great squad.
- Decidimos unirnos y crear nuestro grupo de amigos.We decided to join together and create our own squad of friends.
- Nos reunimos con nuestra cuadrilla para cenar.We gather with our squad to have dinner.
- La cuadrilla de amigos siempre está lista para una aventura.The squad of friends is always ready for an adventure.
- ¿Listos, banda? Vamos a dominar la pista de baile.Ready, squad? Let's take over the dance floor.
- Mi banda y yo siempre estamos ahí el uno para el otro.My squad and I are always there for each other.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are planning a security detail.
- MateoMaría, ¿ya formaste la escuadra?María, have you formed the squad yet?
- MaríaSí, Mateo, ya tengo a cuatro personas.Yes, Mateo, I already have four people.
- MateoPerfecto, esa escuadra es suficiente.Perfect, that squad is enough.
- MaríaEmpezaremos la patrulla ahora mismo.We will start the patrol right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squad” translations and entries escuadra, cuadrilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
