a dos cuadras
/a dos kwadɾas/from spelling rules
The phrase "two blocks away" in Spanish is a dos cuadras.
This phrase is used to describe a location that is situated at a distance of two city blocks from a specific point.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of a (at/to), dos (two) and cuadras (blocks).
Which one should you use?
The choice of word for "blocks" changes based on location: in Spain, you would typically use a dos manzanas, whereas a dos cuadras is standard in much of Latin America.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In most of Latin America, the word cuadra is the standard term for a city block. In Spain, manzana is more common for referring to city blocks.
How do you pronounce it?
/a dos kwadɾas/
Did you know?
- If you use the word manzana in some parts of the Americas, people might think you are talking about an 'apple' rather than a city block.
- The word cuadra shares a root with the word cuadrado, meaning 'square', reflecting the historical layout of colonial Spanish cities built on a strict grid system.
- In Spain, you might say a dos manzanas, but in many Latin American countries, calling a block a manzana actually refers to the entire square area of buildings enclosed by the streets, rather than the street itself.
Examples in context
- El banco está a dos cuadras de aquí.The bank is two blocks away from here.
- El banco está a dos cuadras.The bank is two blocks away.
- Mi casa queda a dos cuadras de aquí.My house is two blocks away from here.
- La farmacia está a dos cuadras de la estación.The pharmacy is two blocks away from the station.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are walking and looking for a supermarket.
- Mateo¿Sabes dónde está el supermercado?Do you know where the supermarket is?
- MaríaSí, está a dos cuadras de aquí.Yes, it is two blocks away from here.
- Mateo¡Qué bien! Caminemos entonces.That's great! Let's walk then.
- MaríaEstá bien, Mateo, vamos.Okay, Mateo, let's go.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
