plata de ley
/plata de lei/from spelling rules
plata de ley is the Spanish term for sterling silver.
This phrase refers to the specific silver alloy known as sterling silver.
Meaning: silver alloy (noun)
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter plata de primera ley in Spain, which is used specifically to emphasize the high quality and purity of the metal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, plata de ley is the most common expression. In Latin America, the term Plata 925 is typically used to denote sterling silver.
How do you pronounce it?
/plata de lei/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, plata is used as a common slang term for 'money' in general. This is similar to how some English speakers might use 'bread' or 'dough'.
- The Spanish word plata is an unexpected relative of the English word 'plate'. Both derive from a Greek word meaning 'wide' because silver was commonly hammered into flat sheets.
Examples in context
- En nuestra tienda, ofrecemos joyería de plata de ley de la mejor calidad.In our store, we offer the highest quality sterling silver jewelry.
- ¡Esa pulsera de plata fina te queda fantástica!That sterling silver bracelet looks fantastic on you!
- Fíjate en ese anillo de plata 925, ¡es una auténtica obra de arte!Check out that 925 silver ring, it's a true work of art!
- Me gustaría comprar un colgante de plata de primera ley para mi madre.I would like to buy a sterling silver pendant for my mother.
- ¡Ese collar de plata esterlina es deslumbrante!That sterling silver necklace is dazzling!
- ¿Vendes anillos de plata de ley en esta joyería?Do you sell sterling silver rings in this jewelry store?
- Este anillo es de plata de ley.This ring is sterling silver.
- Busco una cadena de plata de ley.I am looking for a sterling silver chain.
- La joyería es de plata de ley.The jewelry is sterling silver.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are at a jewelry store looking at a bracelet.
- Lucía¿Es esta pulsera de plata de ley?Is this bracelet sterling silver?
- AlejandroSí, Lucía, es plata de ley de alta calidad.Yes, Lucía, it is high quality sterling silver.
- LucíaMe encanta el brillo de la plata de ley.I love the shine of the sterling silver.
- AlejandroEs una pieza muy bonita para ti.It is a very beautiful piece for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, ley, plata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
