gema
/ˈxema/feminine
The English word "gem" can be translated into Spanish as gema or alhaja.
Meaning: precious stone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gema | /ˈxema/ | feminine |
| alhaja | /aˈlaxa/ | feminine |
Both words refer to precious stones. In more formal contexts, you may also encounter the term piedra preciosa to describe any precious stone.
Which one should you use?
While both terms relate to precious items, alhaja is used figuratively to refer more to a piece of jewelry or a highly precious object rather than the raw mineral. Additionally, joya can be used informally to describe a remarkable person or object.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxema/
Did you know?
- The word gema is a linguistic doublet of yema, which means 'egg yolk'. Both words evolved from the same Latin root meaning 'bud'.
- In Spanish, if you call a person a joya with a sarcastic tone, you are suggesting they are a 'piece of work' or a troublemaker.
- The word alhaja is more commonly found in classical Spanish literature and poetry than in everyday modern conversation.
Examples in context
- Al fin, la gema estaba en sus manos.At last, the gem was in his hands.This sentence is useful for practicing the word gema.Tatoeba #1711053 by marcelostockle, translation #39877 by CK
- La gema que compré en la tienda es auténtica.The gem I bought from the shop is authentic.Tatoeba #6828082 by mervert1, translation #6825576 by mervert1
- La turquesa es una hermosa piedra preciosa de color azul verdoso.Turquoise is a beautiful gemstone with a greenish-blue color.
- Las esmeraldas colombianas son consideradas unas de las gemas más valiosas del mundo.Colombian emeralds are considered some of the most valuable gems in the world.
- La joyería de la reina estaba llena de joyas y gemas exquisitas.The queen's jewelry was full of exquisite jewels and gems.
- Esa gema brilla mucho bajo la luz.That gem shines a lot under the light.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are looking at a piece of jewelry in a museum.
- Mateo¿Viste esa gema roja en la vitrina?Did you see that red gem in the display case?
- ElenaSí, la gema es impresionante, Mateo.Yes, the gem is impressive, Mateo.
- MateoParece muy antigua y valiosa.It looks very old and valuable.
- ElenaEs una pieza de colección increíble.It is an incredible collector's piece.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gem” translations and entries gema, alhaja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alhaja, gema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
