Inklingo
← Dictionary

cuero

KWEH-roh/ˈkweɾo/

leather, hide

Also: tanned skin
NounmA1
A close-up view of a large, rolled-up piece of brown tanned leather material, showing the texture of the hide.

📝 In Action

Compramos unos zapatos de cuero negro muy elegantes.

A1

We bought some very elegant black leather shoes.

El cinturón de cuero se rompió después de muchos años de uso.

A2

The leather belt broke after many years of use.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • piel (skin/hide)
  • badana (sheepskin leather)

Common Collocations

  • cuero sintético – synthetic leather (pleather)
  • cuero genuino – genuine leather

skin

Also: body
NounmB1informal
Mexico
A close-up illustration of a person's forearm and hand resting naturally, focusing on the smooth texture of the human skin.

📝 In Action

Me pica el cuero después de la picadura del mosquito.

B1

My skin is itchy after the mosquito bite.

Se jugó el cuero por su familia.

B2

He risked his neck (life) for his family.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Idioms & Expressions

  • jugarse el cuero – To risk one's life or take a big risk.

attractive person

Also: hunk, babe
NounmC1slang
Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
A colorful, simple storybook portrait of a person smiling with a confident and appealing expression.

📝 In Action

Esa actriz es un cuero, siempre sale perfecta en las fotos.

C1

That actress is a stunner, she always looks perfect in photos.

¡Qué cuero de hombre!

C1

What a hot guy!

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • guapo (handsome/pretty)
  • bello (beautiful)

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cuero

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'cuero' in its primary meaning?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
curtir(to tan (leather)) — Verb
curtidor(tanner) — Noun
cuerito(little piece of leather/skin (diminutive)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin term 'corium', which meant 'skin' or 'hide.' This origin clearly links its main use today (leather) back to its ancient roots.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: couroItalian: cuoio

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

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.