piel
/ˈpjel/feminine
The English word skin is piel in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists pellejo.
Meaning: outer protective layer of the body of a person or animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| piel | /ˈpjel/ | feminine |
| pellejo | /peˈʝexo/ |
The term refers to the outer protective layer of the body of a person or an animal. You can also use the phrase Tener la piel de gallina to mean "to have goosebumps."
Which one should you use?
While piel is the standard term for human skin, pellejo is a more colloquial and often derogatory term used to refer to skin or to describe skin that is loose or tough.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and parts of Central America, pellejo is used to refer to skin, often in the context of animal skin or leather.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
piel is a feminine noun. This means it must be used with feminine articles and adjectives, such as la piel or piel suave.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpjel/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, piel is used for both human skin and high-end leather goods. If a store sells artículos de piel, they are selling leather products rather than skincare.
- The word piel shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'peel', both stemming from a root meaning 'to skin' or 'to strip'.
- The word pellejo can describe the thin, papery film that forms on the surface of a cooling sauce or pudding.
Examples in context
- Su piel es lisa.Her skin is smooth.This sentence uses piel to describe skin texture.Tatoeba #1728790 by marcelostockle, translation #309622 by CK
- Su piel es suave.Her skin is soft.Tatoeba #1584715 by termito2nd, translation #8578357 by Elsofie
- ¿Le pica la piel?Does his skin itch?This sentence uses piel to describe a sensation on the skin.Tatoeba #1974739 by marcelostockle, translation #12799646 by stebnbr
- Tengo piel sensibleI have sensitive skin
- Mi cutis es secoMy skin is dry
- La película me puso la piel de gallinaThe movie gave me goosebumps
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a pharmacy.
- Alejandro¿Buscas algo para la piel?Are you looking for something for your skin?
- ElenaSí, mi piel está muy irritada.Yes, my skin is very irritated.
- AlejandroEsta crema es buena para la piel.This cream is good for the skin.
- ElenaGracias, la voy a comprar.Thanks, I am going to buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skin” translations and entries piel, pellejo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pellejo, piel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
