Hello, Spanish dreamers! 🌟
This week, we’re delving into the finer distinctions between **“quedar”** and **“quedarse”** in Spanish. 🤓 Although they might seem interchangeable at first glance, these verbs have subtle differences that can significantly impact the meaning of your speech. ✨ Mastering their usage will help you communicate more precisely and naturally in everyday situations. 🗣️ Join us as we unpack key expressions and examples to deepen your understanding and boost your confidence in using them! 💡🎉
Click on and watch the video below:
The Infinity Stones of understanding “quedar”
Quedar is a highly adaptable verb that can be used in a variety of contexts. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of Spanish verbs.
Location:
“La fiesta queda en casa de Juan.” (The party is located at Juan's house.)
This usage is straightforward: it simply indicates the place where something is happening.
Agreement:
“Quedamos en vernos a las 8 en el Zócalo.” (We agreed to meet at 8 at the Zócalo.)
Here, quedar signifies a mutual agreement or understanding.
Result:
“El pastel me quedó rico.” (The cake turned out delicious.)
In this sense, quedar conveys the outcome or result of an action.
Fit or Suit:
“Ese vestido te queda padrísimo.” (That dress looks amazing on you.)
This usage relates to how well something fits or suits someone.
Quedarse is a reflexive verb, meaning it requires a reflexive pronoun (e.g., me, te, se) to conjugate correctly. It often implies a state of being or remaining.
To Remain:
“Me quedé en casa todo el día.” (I stayed home all day.)
This is the most common use, indicating that someone or something stays in a place or condition.
To Fall Asleep:
“Me quedé dormido viendo la película.” (I fell asleep watching the movie.)
Quedarse dormido is a common expression for falling asleep.
To Be Surprised:
“Me quedé helado cuando escuché la noticia.” (I was stunned when I heard the news.)
This usage conveys a strong emotional reaction, often surprise or shock.
The Bifurcation Point: From Blank Slate to Clarity
Next, we will explore some common phrases used by Spanish speakers in everyday life that you will definitely find useful.
Quedarse boquiabierto: To be astonished, to be left open-mouthed.
Ejemplo: Me quedé boquiabierto cuando vi el precio de la casa.
Quedarse en blanco: To blank out, to suddenly forget something, especially in a test or presentation.
Ejemplo: Estaba presentando mi trabajo y de repente me quedé en blanco.
Quedarse tieso: To freeze up or become stiff, either from fear or cold.
Ejemplo: Al escuchar el ruido extraño, me quedé tieso de miedo.
Quedarse en los huesos: To lose a lot of weight, to become extremely thin.
Ejemplo: Después de la enfermedad, se quedó en los huesos.
Quedarse con las ganas: To be left wanting something, to not get what you desired.
Ejemplo: Quería ir al concierto, pero me quedé con las ganas porque se agotaron las entradas.
Quedar bien/mal: To make a good/bad impression.
Ejemplo: Siempre intento quedar bien con mis compañeros de trabajo.
Quedar en: To agree on something.
Ejemplo: Quedamos en vernos a las seis en el café.
Quedar a la espera: To wait for a response or result.
Ejemplo: Quedo a la espera de tu confirmación.
Quedar claro: To make sure something is understood, to be clear.
Ejemplo: ¿Quedó claro lo que dije en la reunión?
Quedar en ridículo: To make a fool of oneself, to look ridiculous.
Ejemplo: No quiero hablar en público porque temo quedar en ridículo.
Fast QUIZer
Choose the correct answers of the following questions
What does the sentence “La fiesta queda en casa de Juan” mean?
A) The party was canceled.
B) The party is located at Juan's house.
C) The party will start soon.
In the sentence “Quedamos en vernos a las 8 en el Zócalo,” what is the function of “quedar”?
A) To indicate location.
B) To express a mutual agreement.
C) To describe a result.
Which of the following sentences correctly uses “quedarse”?
A) Me quedé dormido viendo la película.
B) El vestido queda bien.
C) Quedamos en el parque.
What does “quedarse helado” imply in English?
A) To become angry.
B) To be surprised or stunned.
C) To be cold.
What does “quedar claro” mean?
A) To be unclear.
B) To make sure something is understood.
C) To remain silent.
Fill in the blanks using the correct expression
Después de la enfermedad, ella _________ en los huesos.
Siempre intento _________ bien con mis compañeros de trabajo.
Me _________ en casa todo el día.
Quedé _________ cuando me dijeron que no había clase.
El pastel me _________ delicioso.
According to the statement, choose true or false
"Quedar en ridículo" means to make a good impression.
A) True
B) False
"Quedarse dormido" means to wake up suddenly.
A) True
B) False
In conclusion, mastering the verbs "quedar" and "quedarse" is like unlocking new dimensions in the multiverse—it can significantly enhance your Spanish proficiency! Just as each universe offers unique characters and stories, these verbs hold nuanced meanings that vary by context. By exploring their different uses and idiomatic expressions, you’ll deepen your understanding of the language and its cultural nuances. Remember to practice these expressions daily—whether through speaking, writing, or listening—to internalize their meanings and applications. Join us at Thrive in Spanish courses, where you can keep exploring, practising, and enjoying the richness of the Spanish language, one dimension at a time!
So, what are you waiting for?
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Adiós, amigos! ¡No se queden sin practicar!
Goodbye, friends! Don’t forget to practice!
Excelente blog Andrea. Gracias por publicarlo