piel
/ˈpjel/
The Spanish word piel means skin.
piel refers to the biological skin of humans and animals, as well as leather. It is also used in certain idiomatic expressions, such as piel de naranja, which can be used metaphorically to describe a bumpy texture like an orange peel or ponerse la piel de gallina, which means to get goosebumps.
What does it mean word for word?
The word piel literally means skin.
Which one should you use?
While piel can mean leather, the word cuero is more commonly used when referring specifically to processed leather used in goods like jackets or bags.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of piel is pieles.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpjel/
Did you know?
- The term piel de canela is a common poetic description in Spanish songs and literature to describe someone with cinnamon-colored or tan skin.
- The word piel is a cognate of the English word 'pelt', which refers to the skin of an animal. Both words share a common ancestor in the Latin word pellis.
- Spanish has a distinct word for 'skin' in the context of a grape or a tomato, which is hollejo.
Examples in context
- El dermatólogo examinó cuidadosamente la piel del paciente.The dermatologist carefully examined the patient's skin.
- Tiene la piel muy suave.She has very soft skin.
- Tengo la piel muy sensible.I have very sensitive skin.
- Esta crema es buena para la piel.This cream is good for the skin.
- El sol me quemó la piel.The sun burned my skin.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are at a pharmacy.
- AlejandroElena, ¿qué crema me recomiendas?Elena, what cream do you recommend to me?
- ElenaEsta es perfecta para tu piel.This one is perfect for your skin.
- AlejandroGracias, mi piel está muy seca.Thanks, my skin is very dry.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Alejandro, te ayudará.Don't worry, Alejandro, it will help you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry piel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries piel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
