Spanish Phrase
Está a solo dos cuadras.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that something – usually a place – is only two city blocks away from the speaker’s current location. It emphasizes a short, walkable distance.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving directions, answering “Where is…?” or describing how close a shop, restaurant, or landmark is in everyday conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Estáasolodoscuadras.
Estar (location)
Use "está" (third‑person singular of estar) to describe where something is located.
Preposition a + distance
The preposition "a" introduces a measure of distance (e.g., a dos cuadras = two blocks away).
Solo as adverb
Here "solo" means “only” and modifies the distance; it is an adverb, not an adjective.
Cardinal numbers
Numbers such as "dos" agree in gender and number with the noun they modify (cuadras, feminine plural).
Cuadra (city block)
A "cuadra" is a city block; the plural is "cuadras".
🗨In Conversation
¿Dónde está la farmacia?
Where is the pharmacy?
Está a solo dos cuadras.
It’s only two blocks away.
✕Common Mistakes
Es a solo dos cuadras.
Use "está" (estar) for location, not "es" (ser).
Está solo dos cuadras.
The preposition "a" is required before the distance expression.
Está a sólo dos cuadras.
The accent is optional; modern Spanish prefers "solo" without an accent unless ambiguity exists.
↔Alternatives
Está a sólo dos cuadras.
It’s only two blocks away.
Está a dos cuadras.
It’s two blocks away.
Queda a dos cuadras.
It’s located two blocks away.
Está a solo dos manzanas.
It’s only two blocks away (using "manzana").
Cultural Tip
In most of Latin America "cuadra" is the standard word for a city block, but in Mexico you’ll often hear "manzana" instead. The adverb "solo" no longer needs an accent, though older textbooks still mark it as "sólo" when there is a risk of confusion with the adjective "solo" (alone).