tierra
/ˈtjera/feminine
The English word 'land' is translated into Spanish as tierra.
tierra is a feminine noun used to refer to the part of the Earth that is not covered by oceans or other bodies of water. The phrase en la tierra is used to describe being physically on the ground or on the surface of the earth.
Meaning: part of Earth that is not covered by oceans or other bodies of water (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word tierra can mean land, but it also refers to 'earth' as a substance (soil) or the planet itself.
Which one should you use?
While tierra refers to the substance or the concept of land, suelo is the more specific term for the physical floor or the surface of the ground one walks on.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas of Mexico, the word lote may be used instead of parcela to refer to a land division.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form tierras is commonly used when referring to large areas of territory or multiple plots of land.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtjera/
Did you know?
- The word tierra shares a common ancestor with the English word 'dry', coming from the Proto-Indo-European root *ters-.
- In electrical terms, the 'ground' or 'earthing' of a circuit is called tierra in Spanish.
- In Spanish, the expression tocar tierra is used when a plane lands, but it literally means 'to touch land'.
Examples in context
- Él posee esta tierra.He owns this land.This sentence is useful for showing possession of land using tierra.Tatoeba #1426333 by marcelostockle, translation #1304540 by CK
- Estoy arando mi tierra.I am plowing my land.This sentence is useful for describing the action of plowing land using tierra.Tatoeba #1687269 by marcelostockle, translation #1686777 by Amastan
- Él posee muchas tierras.He owns a lot of land.Tatoeba #1190955 by marcelostockle, translation #611744 by CK
- La tierra es un recurso natural muy valioso.Land is a very valuable natural resource.
- El estudio del suelo es fundamental en la agricultura.The study of the soil is fundamental in agriculture.
- Compré un terreno en las afueras de la ciudad.I bought a piece of land on the outskirts of the city.
- Mi abuelo tiene una parcela donde cultiva verduras.My grandfather has a plot where he grows vegetables.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking at a map of a new estate.
- MateoEsta tierra es muy fértil.This land is very fertile.
- MaríaSí, es ideal para cultivar.Yes, it is ideal for farming.
- Mateo¿Quieres comprar la tierra?Do you want to buy the land?
- MaríaNo, es demasiado cara.No, it is too expensive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “land” translations and entries 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.
