acero
/ah-SEH-roh/
steel
This illustration shows steel, a durable metal alloy referred to as acero.
📝 In Action
El rascacielos tiene una estructura de acero y cristal.
B1The skyscraper has a structure of steel and glass.
Compramos unos sartenes de acero inoxidable para la cocina.
B2We bought some stainless steel pans for the kitchen.
El acero es más fuerte que el hierro puro.
B1Steel is stronger than pure iron.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Like most materials in Spanish (such as 'oro' or 'cobre'), 'acero' is a masculine noun, so you always use the article 'el' with it: 'el acero'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Objects
To say what something is made of, use 'de' (of): 'una puerta de acero' (a steel door).
Acero can also refer to inner strength or resilience, like this plant thriving against the odds.
acero(noun)
strength
?mental or moral toughness
resilience
?ability to recover
,mettle
?courage and determination
📝 In Action
Tuvo que demostrar su acero frente a las críticas de la prensa.
C1He had to show his mettle (strength/resilience) in the face of press criticism.
Mantenía una mirada de acero, sin mostrar miedo.
C2She maintained a steely gaze, without showing fear.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'acero' often appears after the preposition 'de' (of) to describe a quality: 'una persona de acero' (a person of steel/a very tough person).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: acero
Question 1 of 1
If someone says, 'Ella tiene nervios de acero,' what do they mean?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is *acero* different from *hierro*?
*Hierro* is the Spanish word for pure iron. *Acero* (steel) is an alloy—a mix of iron and carbon, which makes it significantly stronger, harder, and more resistant to rust than pure iron.