toque de queda

/ˈto.ke ðe ˈke.ða/
phraseIntermediate
⚖️Law
formal

A legally mandated restriction on public movement during specific hours, typically at night, to maintain public order or safety.

El toque de queda comienza a las 10 p.m. y termina a las 6 a.m.

The curfew starts at 10 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m.

La policía patrulla las calles para hacer cumplir el toque de queda.

The police patrol the streets to enforce the curfew.

💡

Commonly used during states of emergency, protests, or natural disasters.

Collocations

imponer un toque de quedato impose a curfewlevantar el toque de quedato lift the curfewviolar el toque de quedato violate the curfew

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

quedarse en casaphrase
to stay at home
estado de emergenciaphrase
state of emergency

💡Pro Tip

Legal Context

The phrase is often used in formal legal and governmental contexts, not casual conversation.

Gold Rule

Enforcement

A toque de queda is legally enforceable, and violations may result in penalties.

📖Word Origin

From Spanish 'toque' (strike/tap) and 'quedar' (to remain), originally referring to the sound of a bell signaling the end of public activity.

📝Usage Notes

In modern usage, it refers to a government-imposed restriction on movement during specific hours, often enforced by law enforcement.

Word Breakdown

toque
strike or signal
root
+
de
of
preposition
+
quedar
to remain
root
Diccionario Español-Inglés