joyas
/HOY-ahs/
jewelry
Joyas, meaning 'jewelry,' often refers to precious items like necklaces and rings.
joyas(Noun)
jewelry
?collection of precious items
,jewels
?precious stones or ornaments
gems
?precious stones
📝 In Action
Ella heredó las joyas de su abuela.
A2She inherited her grandmother's jewelry.
Perdió algunas joyas caras en el viaje.
B1She lost some expensive jewels on the trip.
Compramos joyas de plata en el mercado local.
A1We bought silver jewelry at the local market.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Form
Remember that 'joyas' is the plural form of 'joya' (a single piece of jewelry or gem). When referring to the entire category of things you wear, Spanish often uses the plural 'joyas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'joyería' instead of 'joyas'
Mistake: "La joyería es muy bonita. (Intended: The jewelry is very pretty.)"
Correction: Las joyas son muy bonitas. ('Joyería' means the jewelry store or the craft of jewelry making, not the items themselves.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Singular vs. Plural
If you are talking about a specific item, use the singular: 'Esta pulsera es una joya' (This bracelet is a jewel/gem).
Joyas can also be used figuratively to mean 'masterpiece,' referring to an exceptional work of art or creation.
joyas(Noun)
masterpiece
?art, literature, or creation
,gem
?a highly valued item or person (figurative)
treasure
?something rare and valuable
📝 In Action
Ese manuscrito antiguo es una joya histórica.
B2That ancient manuscript is a historical treasure/gem.
El restaurante que encontramos fue una joya escondida.
C1The restaurant we found was a hidden gem.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When using 'joya' metaphorically (usually singular, even when referring to multiple items), it carries the sense of something rare, high-quality, or greatly appreciated.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Quality
You can use 'joya' as a strong compliment for anything excellent, whether it's a person's skill, a piece of art, or a discovery.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: joyas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'joyas' in its figurative meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'joyas' often plural even when English says 'jewelry' (singular)?
In Spanish, 'joyas' treats jewelry as a collection of individual pieces (rings, necklaces, etc.), requiring the plural form. While English uses 'jewelry' as an uncountable mass noun, Spanish prefers the countable plural.