ónix
/ˈoniɡs/feminine
The English phrase "onyx" is translated into Spanish as ónix. It is also spelled ónice. Wiktionary also lists ónique.
Meaning: a banded variety of chalcedony (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ónix | /ˈoniɡs/ | feminine |
| ónice | /ˈoniθe/ /ˈonise/ |
feminine, alternative form |
| ónique | /ˈonike/ | feminine |
The word refers to the banded variety of chalcedony. In formal contexts, one may use the phrase Piedra ónix to explicitly refer to the gemstone version of the mineral.
Which one should you use?
ónix is the standard spelling, while ónice is an alternative spelling of the same word. ónique is an additional form of the word.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of this word are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoniɡs/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word ónix shares its roots with the Ancient Greek word for 'fingernail', because the gemstone's shape resembles a nail.
- Spanish speakers often use ónix metaphorically in literature to describe an intense, deep black color, rather than just the mineral itself.
- While 'onyx' is a noun in English, in Spanish, the form ónice can function as an adjective to describe things that possess the qualities of the stone.
Examples in context
- Me gusta el ónix negro en las joyas.I like black onyx in jewelry.
- ¡Esa pulsera de piedra ónix se ve genial en ti!That onyx stone bracelet looks great on you!
- Compré un collar de ónix hoy para mi cumpleaños.I bought an onyx necklace today for my birthday.
- El anillo tiene un ónix negro.The ring has a black onyx.
- Me gusta el brillo del ónix.I like the shine of the onyx.
- Ella compró un colgante de ónix.She bought an onyx pendant.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at jewelry in a shop.
- Lucía¿Te gusta este ónix?Do you like this onyx?
- JavierSí, es muy elegante, Lucía.Yes, it is very elegant, Lucía.
- LucíaEl ónix combina con todo.Onyx goes with everything.
- JavierTienes razón, es precioso.You are right, it is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “onyx” translations and entries ónix, ónice, ónique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ónix, CC BY-SA 4.0.
