cruz

cross

noun kroos Rare

Origin: From Latin 'crux' (cross, gibbet), which also gives 'crucial' and 'excruciate' in English.

Also means

(heads/tails) tails

Usage Note

Cruz changes spelling in the plural: cruces (the -z becomes -c before -es). It is the feminine gender despite ending in a consonant. In coin-flipping, Spaniards say cara o cruz (heads or tails — literally 'face or cross', as coins traditionally showed a cross on one side). The phrase hacerse cruces means to be astonished or appalled.

Examples

"Puso una cruz de flores en la tumba."

Natural Translation

She placed a cross of flowers on the grave.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Memorize Spanish Vocabulary Fast (That Sticks)

Memorize Spanish vocabulary fast with a 15-minute daily loop: spaced repetition, frequency-first words, and example-sentence cards that actually stick.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Filler Words: 15 Ways to Sound Natural

Spanish filler words like pues, o sea, and vale make you sound natural, not robotic. Learn 15 muletillas sorted by job, by region, and when not to use them.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spain vs Latin American Spanish: Key Differences

Spain and Latin American Spanish are fully mutually intelligible. Compare vosotros vs ustedes, coche vs carro, the 'th' sound, and learn which one to study.

June 9, 2026 6 min read