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hierbas

YÊR-bahs/ˈjeɾβas/

“hierbas” means “herbs” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

herbs

Also: weeds, grasses
NounfA1
Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay
A collection of fresh green rosemary, thyme, and basil leaves tied together with a simple twine string on a wooden surface.

📝 In Action

Cocino con hierbas frescas de mi jardín.

A1

I cook with fresh herbs from my garden.

Tengo que quitar las malas hierbas del patio.

A2

I have to pull the weeds from the patio.

Las hierbas medicinales son muy útiles.

B1

Medicinal herbs are very useful.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • plantas (plants)
  • yerbas (herbs (alternate spelling))

Common Collocations

  • hierbas aromáticas – aromatic herbs
  • malas hierbas – weeds
  • hierbas medicinales – medicinal herbs

Idioms & Expressions

  • Mala hierba nunca muere – Tough or bad people/things are hard to get rid of

weed / pot / marijuana

NounfB2slang
A single, detailed green serrated leaf from a cannabis plant shown in a simple illustrative style.

📝 In Action

¿Ese olor es de hierba?

B2

Is that the smell of weed?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mota (weed (Mexico))
  • maría (mary jane)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "hierbas" in Spanish:

grasses→herbs→weeds→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: hierbas

Question 1 of 2

Which of these phrases refers to 'weeds' that you don't want in your garden?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
hierba(herb/grass (singular)) — Noun
herbívoro(herbivore) — Adjective
herbolario(herbalist/herb shop) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
hierbassiervas
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'herba', referring to vegetation or green plants.

First recorded: 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: herbFrench: herbePortuguese: erva

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it 'hierbas' or 'yerbas'?

Both are actually correct and recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy, but 'hierbas' is the much more common spelling in written Spanish. 'Yerbas' is very common in Argentina and Uruguay.

Can I use 'hierbas' for the grass on a football field?

Usually, no. For a sports field or a manicured lawn, the word 'césped' is used. 'Hierbas' sounds more like wild plants or ingredients.