The usual English translation of quince años is “fifteen years.”
The phrase names the age being celebrated rather than a particular ritual. In Spanish, años means “years,” so quince años refers directly to fifteen years of life and, by extension, the fifteenth birthday milestone.
The phrase is closely connected with fiesta de quince años, meaning “party of fifteen years.” Quinceañera developed as the commonly recognized term for the celebrant and the celebration in many Spanish-speaking communities and English-language settings.
Translations can vary slightly in natural English phrasing. “Fifteenth birthday” often communicates the meaning more naturally in context, but the literal translation of quince años remains “fifteen years.” It does not mean fifteen candles, dances, or days.