A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "A quarter" in Spanish
Use 'un cuarto de hora' to say 'a quarter of an hour' for time or measurements in Spanish.
un cuarto de hora
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Spanish TTS · 0:01
This phrase is perfect for telling time, like saying a meeting is in 'un cuarto de hora' (in 15 minutes). It's also used for measurements, such as 'un cuarto de hora de viaje' (a 15-minute trip).
Alternatives
- quince minutosMore direct and common when referring to a specific duration.
- un cuartoUsed when the 'hour' or 'time' is already understood from context.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'cuarto' with 'quarter'
'Cuarto' means fourth or room, but 'un cuarto de hora' specifically means 15 minutes.
Using 'un cuarto' alone for time
While understood in context, 'un cuarto de hora' is clearer and more complete for time.
A small cultural note
In some regions, 'un cuarto' might be used colloquially to mean 15 minutes if the context of time is very clear.
Frequently asked
how to say 15 minutes in spanish
The most common way to say 15 minutes is 'quince minutos'. You can also use 'un cuarto de hora'.
what does un cuarto de hora mean
It literally translates to 'a quarter of an hour'. This means 15 minutes.
can i just say un cuarto for 15 minutes
Yes, if the context is very clear that you're talking about time, 'un cuarto' can be understood as 15 minutes. However, 'un cuarto de hora' is more explicit.
