The Spanish phrase quince años means “fifteen years.”
The phrase supplies the central age reference in quinceañera, the celebration associated with a girl's fifteenth birthday. In Spanish, quince means 15 and años means years, so the expression directly identifies the milestone being honored.
The word quinceañera is related to this phrase, although it is used as a noun for the celebrant and for the celebration. English-language discussions may use quinceañera, quince, or quince años for related aspects of the event.
The name should not be confused with a specific required number of candles, attendants, dances, or gifts. Those details vary by family and region; the defining numerical idea is the age of 15.