herrero
/eˈreɾo/
The Spanish word for smith is herrero.
A smith is a craftsperson who works metal. The noun herrero refers to the person performing this work.
Meaning: craftsperson who works metal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is gendered. While herrero is the masculine form, you use herrera to refer to a female smith. To form the plural, change the ending to herreros. Additionally, the word for the place where a smith works, the smithy or blacksmith shop, is herrería.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈreɾo/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American folklore, a herrero is sometimes associated with the supernatural, such as the legend of the 'Devil's Blacksmith' who crafts chains for the underworld.
- The suffix -ero in herrero is used for many Spanish professions, but it also identifies the container for an object. For example, a salero is a salt shaker because it holds 'salt' just as a herrero works with 'iron'.
- The word herrero comes from the Latin ferrum meaning 'iron'. This is the same root that gives English the word 'ferrous' to describe metals containing iron.
Examples in context
- El herrero trabaja con hierro.The smith works with iron.
- Necesito hablar con el herrero.I need to speak with the smith.
- Ese herrero es muy habilidoso.That smith is very skillful.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at an old tool in a museum.
- Daniel¿Sabes quién hizo esto, María?Do you know who made this, María?
- MaríaCreo que lo hizo un herrero.I think a smith made it.
- DanielEs un trabajo de herrero excelente.It is an excellent smith's work.
- MaríaSí, es muy antiguo.Yes, it is very old.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry herrero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries herrero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
