The Spanish word esquina translates to corner in English. It originates from the Gothic word skĭna, which is related to the Old High German word scina.
Latin American Pronunciation
European Pronunciation
The word esquina is a feminine noun that takes the following definite and indefinite articles:
- la esquina = the corner
- una esquina = a corner
- las esquinas = the corners
- unas esquinas = some corners
It is used for different types of corners, such as those formed by walls or when two streets or sidewalks come together. Esquina is also used when any two surfaces or lines intersect to form an angle, such as on a piece of paper or the edge of a door or table.
In European Spanish, esquina is also defined as a large stone that was thrown at enemies from high places.
Hay un árbol en la esquina del edificio
There is a tree in the corner of the building.
There are various words that specify the location of an esquina. Below are a few:
- esquina opuesta = opposite corner
- esquina exterior = outside corner
- esquina izquierda = left-hand corner
- esquina derecha = right-hand corner
- esquina suroeste = southwest corner
- esquina noroeste = northwest corner
- esquina sureste = southeast corner
- esquina noreste = northeast corner
El GPS dice que la gasolinera está en la esquina noreste.
The GPS says the gas station is on the northwest corner.
In sports, specifically fútbol (football/soccer), the word esquina is used in various terms. Saque de esquina and tiro de esquina both mean corner kick. The word esquinar means to put in a corner. This can be used in football and other sports.
There is also a popular children’s game called Las Cuatro Esquinas (The Four Corners). It’s a game in which four children occupy designated corners or places and the extra children who are left without a place try to reach a free one when they run to change places.
El jugador tuvo que hacer un tiro de esquina.
The player had to do a corner kick.
One popular phrase using the word esquina is ‘a la vuelta de la esquina.’ Its literal translation is ‘at the turn of the corner.’ It’s used to say that something is around the corner or is nearby or upon us. Some examples:
- La tienda está a la vuelta de la esquina. = The store is just around the corner.
- Vive a la vuelta de la esquina. = He/She lives just around the corner.
- Las elecciones están a la vuelta de la esquina. = The elections are almost upon us or just around the corner.
- La fiesta de cumpleaños está a la vuelta de la esquina. = The birthday party is almost upon us or just around the corner.
Spanish idiomatic expressions featuring ‘esquina’
Darse contra las esquinas
Literal translation: to hit yourself against corners
English meaning: to rush and get tired without being able to do or get what you want
Estar de esquina
Literal translation: To be cornered
English meaning: to be placed in a corner (referring to furniture)
Estar en esquina (two or more people)
Literal translation: to be in corner
English meaning: to be opposed or at odds with each other
Doblar la esquina
Literal translation: to fold the corner
English meaning: to turn at the corner
Hacer la esquina
Literal translation: to do the corner
English meaning: to practice prostitution
Pedir esquina
Literal translation: to ask for the corner
English meaning: to give up, to throw in the towel, to call a truce, to request help from a gang to fight another gang
