cuero
/KWEH-roh/
leather
Cuero meaning leather, material made from animal skin.
📝 In Action
Compramos unos zapatos de cuero negro muy elegantes.
A1We bought some very elegant black leather shoes.
El cinturón de cuero se rompió después de muchos años de uso.
A2The leather belt broke after many years of use.
⭐ Usage Tips
Material Usage
When talking about what something is made of, you almost always use the preposition 'de' (of/made of): 'de cuero'.
Cuero used informally to mean human skin or the body.
📝 In Action
Me pica el cuero después de la picadura del mosquito.
B1My skin is itchy after the mosquito bite.
Se jugó el cuero por su familia.
B2He risked his neck (life) for his family.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use of the Definite Article
When referring to a body part, Spanish usually uses 'el' (the) instead of a possessive word like 'mi' (my): 'Me pica el cuero' (My skin is itchy).
Cuero used as slang to describe an attractive person.
📝 In Action
Esa actriz es un cuero, siempre sale perfecta en las fotos.
C1That actress is a stunner, she always looks perfect in photos.
¡Qué cuero de hombre!
C1What a hot guy!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Misunderstanding Context
Mistake: "Using this meaning in a formal setting."
Correction: This usage is highly informal and should be reserved for casual conversations with friends. Stick to 'guapo' or 'atractivo' in neutral situations.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Alert
This slang is very common in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Using it elsewhere might cause confusion, as people will likely understand the primary meaning (leather).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuero
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'cuero' in its primary meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'cuero' and 'piel'?
Both words can mean 'skin' or 'hide.' However, 'cuero' is almost always used specifically for the processed material (leather), like a leather jacket or belt. 'Piel' is more commonly used for human skin or animal fur/skin that is still attached to the animal.