Tierra
/ˈtjera/feminine
The English word "earth" is translated into Spanish as Tierra. If unsure, use Tierra.
Meaning: third planet of the Solar System (name)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tierra | /ˈtjera/ | feminine |
| tierra | /ˈtjera/ | feminine |
When you are referring specifically to the third planet of the Solar System, use the term as a proper noun. In other contexts, the word tierra can also mean "land" or "soil", referring to general rock-based material.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the forms depends on whether you are speaking astronomically or generally. Use the capitalized Tierra when referring to the planet Earth. Use the lowercase tierra when referring to soil or land.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In an astronomical context, the name of the planet is almost always preceded by the feminine definite article la, forming la Tierra.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtjera/
Did you know?
- The word tierra shares a common ancestor with the English word 'dry', stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *ters-.
- The term tierra is used to refer to the electrical 'ground' in physics and electronics.
- In some regions, the term tierra is used to refer to one's homeland or native place, often carrying a much deeper emotional weight than 'land'.
Examples in context
- Vivimos en la Tierra.We live on the earth.This sentence demonstrates the use of Tierra regarding our location.Tatoeba #507000 by Shishir, translation #249064 by Dejo
- La Tierra orbita al Sol.The earth moves around the sun.This sentence shows Tierra in an astronomical context regarding its orbit.Tatoeba #1445123 by marcelostockle, translation #277136 by Eldad
- La tierra es nuestro hogar.The Earth is our home.This sentence uses Tierra to describe the planet as a home.Tatoeba #6168136 by cueyayotl, translation #6031802 by Hybrid
- Los científicos estudian la tierra y sus fenómenos naturales.Scientists study the earth and its natural phenomena.
- 292 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a photo of space in a textbook.
- ElenaLa Tierra se ve muy pequeña desde aquí.The Earth looks very small from here.
- AlejandroEs cierto, Elena, es un punto azul.It's true, Elena, it is a blue dot.
- Elena¿Crees que hay vida en otros planetas?Do you think there is life on other planets?
- AlejandroTal vez, pero la Tierra es única.Maybe, but the Earth is unique.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “earth” translations and entries Tierra, tierra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tierra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
