cuadrado
/kwaˈdɾado/
The Spanish word for the English adjective square is cuadrado.
Cuadrado is primarily used as an adjective to describe objects that are shaped like a square. In a figurative sense, cuadrado can be used to describe someone who is 'square' or 'strait-laced' in certain contexts, though it is more common to use other slang terms for that specific English nuance.
Meaning: shaped like a square (adj)
Which one should you use?
While cuadrado describes the shape, the noun for the geometric shape itself is el cuadrado.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it describes, so use the feminine form cuadrada for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwaˈdɾado/
Did you know?
- If a Spanish speaker says Eso no me cuadra, they are not talking about a shape, but expressing that something 'does not add up' or feels suspicious.
- In some Caribbean regions, the expression estar cuadrado is used as slang to describe someone who is very muscular or has a 'squared-off' physique.
- The verb cuadrar is often used in Spanish to describe a romantic or social 'click' between two people, meaning they are compatible.
Examples in context
- Los wombats cagan cuadrado.Wombats have square poop.This sentence uses cuadrado to describe the shape of animal excrement.Tatoeba #11701567 by Seael, translation #13590967 by rul
- Un cuadrado tiene cuatro lados.A square has four sides.This sentence uses cuadrado to state a property of a square.Tatoeba #520515 by Shishir, translation #271699 by CK
- Un cuadrado tiene cuatro ángulos.A square has four angles.Tatoeba #1712891 by teskmon, translation #1582783 by CM
- Ese edificio tiene una forma cuadradaThat building has a square shape
- El lienzo está perfectamente cuadrado y nivelado.The canvas is perfectly squared and leveled.
- ¿Podría proporcionarme el área del cuadrado que me mencionó?Could you provide me with the area of the square you mentioned?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are choosing furniture for their new living room.
- Javier¿Te gusta esta alfombra?Do you like this rug?
- MaríaNo, prefiero una que sea cuadrada.No, I prefer one that is square.
- JavierMira, esta tiene un diseño cuadrado.Look, this one has a square design.
- MaríaSí, esa es perfecta para la sala.Yes, that one is perfect for the living room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “square” translations and entries cuadrado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
