albañil
/albaˈɲil/masculine
The Spanish word for mason is albañil.
The term albañil refers to a person who builds with stone or brick.
Meaning: one who builds with stone or brick (noun)
Which one should you use?
While albañil refers to the construction worker, Masón refers specifically to a member of the Freemasons.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the noun is albañila.
How do you pronounce it?
/albaˈɲil/
Did you know?
- The word albañil comes from the Arabic word bannāʔ, reflecting the deep influence of Moorish architecture and engineering in Spain.
- In traditional Spanish architecture, the albañil was often responsible for the cal, or lime-coating, which gives the characteristic white look to villages in Andalusia.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word albañil carries a strong connotation of manual, heavy labor, often distinguishing the worker from an 'architect' or 'engineer' in social contexts.
Examples in context
- Necesitamos contratar a un albañil para reparar los cimientos de la casa.We need to hire a mason to repair the house's foundations.
- El albañil terminó la pared hoy.The mason finished the wall today.
- Necesito contratar a un albañil.I need to hire a mason.
- Mi tío es un buen albañil.My uncle is a good mason.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing home renovations.
- Javier¿Ya llamaste al albañil?Did you already call the mason?
- LucíaNo, todavía no he hablado con él.No, I haven't spoken with him yet.
- JavierÉl debe venir para arreglar la chimenea.He must come to fix the chimney.
- LucíaTienes razón, lo llamaré ahora mismo.You're right, I will call him right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mason” translations and entries albañil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries albañil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
