peña
/ˈpeɲa/feminine
The English word 'boulder' can be translated into Spanish as peña. Wiktionary also lists peñasco.
Meaning: large mass of stone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| peña | /ˈpeɲa/ | feminine |
| peñasco | /peˈɲasko/ | masculine |
Spanish speakers use these terms to describe a large mass of stone. While the generic word roca is used in everyday speech for any rock, peña and peñasco carry a more specific connotation of a large, solid mass or formation.
Which one should you use?
peña is a general term for a rock or cliff, while peñasco specifically emphasizes a larger, more imposing mass of rock or a prominent crag. For a more technical or scientific context, you may use the formal term Peñón. For very casual speech, you can use the informal Piedra grandota.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form peña becomes plural by adding -s to become peñas. The masculine form peñasco becomes plural by adding -s to become peñascos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpeɲa/
Did you know?
- The word peña shares an ancient ancestor with the Latin word for 'feather' or 'wing', because the Proto-Indo-European root referred to things that are sharp or pointed, like a bird's wing or a jagged cliff.
- In Spain, a peña is a common term for a social club or a tight-knit group of friends who organize festivities together during local town fairs.
- The suffix -sco in peñasco is used to create an augmentative, making the rock sound much larger and more imposing than a standard peña.
Examples in context
- ¡Mira esa piedra grandota allí!Look at that massive boulder over there!
- Esta roca megalítica tiene gran importancia histórica.This megalithic boulder holds great historical significance.
- Vimos una peña enorme en la montaña.We saw a huge boulder on the mountain.
Example conversation
Maria and Mateo are hiking in the mountains.
- MaríaMira esa peña gris allá arriba.Look at that gray boulder up there.
- MateoParece muy difícil de escalar, María.It seems very difficult to climb, Maria.
- MaríaPodemos descansar sobre la peña.We can rest on the boulder.
- MateoEs una buena idea, vamos.That is a good idea, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boulder” translations and entries peña, peñasco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries peña, peñasco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
