cuero
/ˈkweɾo/masculine
The Spanish word for leather is cuero. Wiktionary also lists antelina (faux).
Meaning: material produced by tanning animal skin (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cuero | /ˈkweɾo/ | masculine |
| antelina (faux) | feminine |
cuero is a masculine noun used to describe the material produced by tanning animal skin. In some contexts, you may see antelina (faux) used to refer to faux leather.
Which one should you use?
While cuero refers specifically to the processed material, the word piel can refer to both animal skin and the leather material itself in many contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word charol is often used to refer to patent leather with a glossy finish.
How does it change in a sentence?
cuero is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkweɾo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word piel when they mean the heavy-duty material cuero, though piel is common for softer leathers or fashion items.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word cuero shares a prehistoric root with the English word 'score', as both derive from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to cut'.
- In certain contexts, cuero is used as a euphemism for cuerpo, meaning 'body'.
- The term antelina specifically mimics the texture of 'antelope' skin, even when the material is synthetic.
Examples in context
- Éstos son de cuero.These are leather.This sentence is useful for identifying materials.Tatoeba #8616500 by arh, translation #9189387 by DJ_Saidez
- La maleta es de cuero.It's a leather valise.This sentence is useful for describing the material of a specific object.Tatoeba #2267430 by hayastan, translation #2267429 by _undertoad
- Los zapatos son de cuero.The shoes are made of leather.This sentence is useful for describing what footwear is made of.Tatoeba #5138466 by don_ramon, translation #62989 by shekitten
- Me encanta el bolso de piel que compré en esa tienda de lujo.I love the leather bag I bought at that luxury store.
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una tienda de guarnicionería en esta ciudad?Where can I find a leatherwork shop in this city?
- Voy a comprar una chaqueta de cuero para el invierno.I'm going to buy a leather jacket for winter.
- ¿Tienes una billetera de cuerina para regalarme?Do you have a faux leather wallet to give me as a present?
- Estas botas están hechas de piel de vaca, son perfectas para montar a caballo.These boots are made of cowhide, they're perfect for horseback riding.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are shopping for accessories in a store.
- Mateo¿Te gusta este bolso de cuero?Do you like this leather bag?
- LucíaSí, es muy bonito, Mateo.Yes, it is very pretty, Mateo.
- MateoEs de un cuero muy suave.It is made of a very soft leather.
- LucíaTienes razón, es de gran calidad.You are right, it is of great quality.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leather” translations and entries cuero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
