Spanish word

cuartel

Pronunciation

IPA/kwaɾˈtel/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbarracks

Example

El cuartel está en las afueras de la ciudad.

The barracks are on the outskirts of the city.

Illustration for cuartel (barracks)

More examples

Cerca del cuartel hay una tienda.

There is a shop near the barracks.

Core concept

Compound where a military unit lives, trains, and houses its command staff.

Common phrases

  • cerca del cuartel

    near the barracks

  • vivir en el cuartel

    live in the barracks

Similar words

base: Hosts a strategic installation for troop training, command functions, and operational support.
comisaría: Handles neighborhood policing tasks such as reports, interviews, patrol dispatch, and custody.

Definition in Spanish

Instalación militar destinada al alojamiento y la organización de tropas, usada también como sede de una unidad o cuartel general.

Word origin

The word comes from Old French quartier and ultimately from Latin quartarius 'a fourth', originally meaning a district or 'quarter' and later the lodging quarters assigned to troops.

Usage tips

  • When used with general (cuartel general) it means headquarters, while cuartel alone typically refers to the barracks or garrison.

Other meanings

  • garrisonnoun
  • military postnoun

Word lists with this word