dónde queda
/donde keda/from spelling rules
The English phrase "where something is located" is translated into Spanish as dónde queda.
You use dónde queda when asking for the location of a fixed point, such as a city, a restaurant or a specific landmark. To provide direction or location, you can use prepositions like en (in), al lado de (next to), cerca de (close to) or debajo de (below).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase uses the verb queda, which literally means "it stays" or "it remains", but is used idiomatically in this context to mean "is located".
Which one should you use?
While dónde queda is specifically used for the location of places or buildings, the phrase dónde está is a more general and common way to ask where something is located.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are asking about the location of multiple things, change the verb to the plural form dónde quedan.
Did you know?
- The verb quedar has a double meaning involving clothes. If a piece of clothing queda bien, it does not mean it is located well, but that it fits the person's body perfectly.
- While dónde queda asks for a location, the same verb quedar is used to say two people have made an appointment to meet. In this context, it means 'to agree on a place or time'.
- The word queda shares a linguistic root with the English word 'quiet'. Both originate from the Latin quiēscō, which means to become still or at rest.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde se encuentra la sala de conferencias?Where is the conference room located?
- El restaurante se encuentra en el centro de la ciudad.The restaurant is located in the city center.
- El museo está situado junto al parque.The museum is situated next to the park.
- ¿Dónde está la tienda de música?Where is the music store?
- La casa de Ana está por allá, al final de la calle.Ana's house is over there, at the end of the street.
- El supermercado está por aquí en alguna parte.The supermarket is around here somewhere.
- ¿Dónde queda la estación de tren?Where is the train station located?
- ¿Dónde queda la farmacia más cercana?Where is the nearest pharmacy located?
- No sé dónde queda ese restaurante.I don't know where that restaurant is located.
- ¿Sabes dónde queda el museo de arte?Do you know where the art museum is located?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are walking in a new city.
- JavierElena, ¿dónde queda la estación de tren?Elena, where is the train station located?
- ElenaNo estoy segura de dónde queda exactamente.I am not sure where it is located exactly.
- JavierMira, creo que sé dónde queda.Look, I think I know where it is located.
- Elena¡Qué bueno! Vamos hacia allá.That's great! Let's go there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dónde, queda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
