How to Say “Gold” in Spanish

Ways to say it

Spanish uses different terms to describe 'gold' based on whether you are referring to a material, a color or a technical property. While the noun oro is the standard word for the metal itself, and the chemical symbol Au is used in scientific contexts, the adjective form varies. Use de oro to indicate an object is made of gold, and aurífero to describe something that is gold-bearing, such as a vein or a river. For example, a lingote de oro is a gold ingot.

Which one should you use?

de oro is used to describe the material of an object. In contrast, áureo is a more poetic or literary term used to describe something that is golden in color or essence. Finally, aurífero is used specifically in technical or geological contexts to describe something that contains gold, such as a vein or a river.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

áureo is a high-register, literary term used to describe things that are golden or related to the golden age.

Related words

Bullseye (symbol): diana.

Coin (symbol): moneda de oro.

How does it change in a sentence?

When describing an object made of gold, you must use the prepositional phrase de oro rather than using the noun oro directly as an adjective.

How do you pronounce it?

/de oɾo/

What mistakes should you avoid?

English speakers often mistakenly use the noun oro as an adjective (for example, saying reloj oro). Instead, you must use the phrase de oro (for example, reloj de oro) to correctly mean 'gold watch'.