Spanish Conversation · Level 27
90 words
Spanish word
plaza
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈplaθa/
Meaning
- feminine nounsquare
Example
Nos vemos en la plaza a las tres.
We will meet at the square at three.
More examples
La plaza pública está rodeada de cafeterías.
The public square is surrounded by cafés.
Core concept
Central city square or market space commonly surrounded by streets and buildings.
Common phrases
plaza mayor
central square
plaza pública
public square
plaza histórica
historic square
Similar words
parque: Public green park with trees and lawns for resting, walking, and children's play.
mercado: Market area with stalls or shops selling food and everyday necessities.
centro: Busy city center where shops, services, and transport concentrate.
calle: Street lined with buildings where pedestrians and vehicles pass.
Definition in Spanish
Área abierta en un pueblo o ciudad donde se realizan reuniones, mercados y actividades sociales; en ámbitos oficiales también se usa para indicar una plaza vacante o un puesto.
Word origin
The word comes from Latin platea via Old French place, originally meaning a wide street or open area, which explains both the square meaning and administrative senses such as a job slot.
Usage tips
- English speakers often use plaza to mean a shopping center, but Spanish typically uses plaza for the town square and centro comercial or plaza comercial for malls.
Other meanings
- seatnoun
- vacancynoun
Related words
- plazuelasmall squarenoun