cantero
/kanˈteɾo/masculine
The English word 'stonemason' can be translated into Spanish as cantero. If unsure, use cantero. Wiktionary also lists mampostero and mazonero.
Meaning: one who works in stone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cantero | /kanˈteɾo/ | masculine |
| mampostero | /mamposˈteɾo/ | masculine |
| mazonero | /maθoˈneɾo/ /masoˈneɾo/ |
masculine |
The term refers to a person who works with stone. The most common term for a professional who cuts and shapes stone is cantero.
Which one should you use?
While cantero is the general term for a professional shaping stone, mampostero specifically refers to a dry stone waller or a mason who works with mampostería, which is rubble masonry or the practice of stacking stones without using mortar. Additionally, mazonero is another masculine form for a stonemason.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cantero is derived from cantera, which means quarry. The plural form of cantero is canteros.
How do you pronounce it?
/kanˈteɾo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, cantera refers to a quarry but is also used in sports to describe a youth academy or a 'breeding ground' for new talent.
- The word mazonero comes from the Old French word maçon, which is the same root that gave English the word 'mason'.
- In some historical contexts, the cantero was a highly prestigious guild member responsible for the structural integrity of the great Gothic cathedrals in Spain.
Examples in context
- El arquitecto contrató a un cantero para construir los detalles en piedra de la fachada.The architect hired a stonemason to build the stone details on the facade.
- Vi a un picapedrero trabajando en la restauración de la antigua iglesia del pueblo.I saw a stonemason working on the restoration of the old church in the town.
- Mi abuelo era un cantero artesano y creó impresionantes estructuras de piedra durante toda su vida.My grandfather was an artisan stonemason who created impressive stone structures throughout his life.
- El cantero talló la piedra con cuidado.The stonemason carved the stone carefully.
- Mi abuelo era un cantero experto.My grandfather was an expert stonemason.
- Necesitamos contratar a un cantero para la fuente.We need to hire a stonemason for the fountain.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are looking at an old stone wall in their garden.
- Mateo¿Sabes quién construyó este muro?Do you know who built this wall?
- LucíaCreo que fue un buen cantero.I think it was a good stonemason.
- MateoEl trabajo del cantero es impresionante.The stonemason's work is impressive.
- LucíaEs verdad, la piedra está perfecta.It's true, the stone is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stonemason” translations and entries cantero, mampostero, mazonero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cantero, mazonero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
