If there’s one verb that confuses Spanish learners more than almost any other, quedar is a strong contender. It shows up everywhere in everyday conversation, yet no single English translation can cover it.
Depending on the context, it can mean staying put, trying on clothes, making plans with a friend, counting down the days, or giving directions. Once you’ve got these five meanings down, a huge part of natural Spanish will suddenly start making sense.
1️⃣ Quedarse = to stay
When you want to say you’re staying somewhere rather than going out or moving on, quedarse (the reflexive form) is what you need.
- Me quedo en casa hoy. – I’m staying at home today.
- Esta noche me quedo en el hotel. Mañana vuelvo. – I’m staying at the hotel tonight. I’ll be back tomorrow.
2️⃣ Quedar = to fit (clothes)
This meaning is a staple of any shopping trip. Use it to talk about how a piece of clothing looks or fits on someone.
- Esta camisa me queda bien. – This shirt fits me well.
- Esos pantalones te quedan un poco grandes. Pruébate la talla menos. – Those trousers are a bit big on you. Try the size down.
3️⃣ Quedar = to meet / to arrange to meet
This is probably the most typically Spanish use of the verb – and one you won’t find in most textbooks. In Spain especially, quedar is the natural way to say you’re meeting up with someone or making plans.
- Quedo con Ana a las cuatro. – I’m meeting Ana at four.
- ¿Quedamos el sábado para tomar algo? – Shall we meet up on Saturday for a drink?
⚠️ Note: In Latin America, people often use ‘verse’ (nos vemos) or ‘encontrarse’ instead.
4️⃣ Quedar = to be left / to remain
Use this meaning to talk about how much time, food, money, or anything else is left.
- Quedan dos días para las vacaciones. – There are two days left until the holidays.
- No queda leche. ¿Puedes comprar en el súper? – There’s no milk left. Can you pick some up at the supermarket?
5️⃣ Quedar = to be located
This meaning is used everywhere, but it’s the primary way to give directions in Latin America (in Spain, ‘estar’ is also very common)
- Mi casa queda cerca del parque. – My house is near the park.
- La farmacia queda a dos calles de aquí. – The pharmacy is two streets from here.
One verb, five completely different jobs – that’s quedar for you. The good news is that context almost always makes the meaning crystal clear, so don’t be afraid to start using it. Pick one meaning this week and try dropping it into conversation. Before long, all five will feel completely natural.
🗣️ Shadowing Practice
Listen to the audio and repeat each phrase immediately after the speaker, trying to match their pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. All sentences are taken from the examples above.