madera

/mah-DEH-rah/

wood

Madera refers to wood used as a material, such as lumber or timber.

madera(noun)

fA1

wood

as a material

Also:

timber

cut wood for building

lumber

prepared wood for construction (US English)

📝 In Action

La mesa de mi cocina es de madera maciza.

The table in my kitchen is made of solid wood.

Necesitamos más madera para hacer la fogata.

We need more wood to make the bonfire.

El suelo de la sala tiene un hermoso acabado de madera clara.

The living room floor has a beautiful light wood finish.

Word Connections

Synonyms

leña (firewood)
tronco (tree trunk/log)

Common Collocations

madera dura – hardwood
madera blanda – softwood
ser de madera – to be made of wood

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Remember that 'madera' is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it, even though many Spanish nouns ending in -a are masculine (like 'el problema').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing Material and Tree

Mistake: "Usar 'la madera' para referirse a un árbol ('I saw a tall madera')."

Correction: Use 'el árbol' for the living plant and 'la madera' for the material cut from it. 'Vi un árbol alto' (I saw a tall tree).

⭐ Usage Tips

Building Material

When talking about construction or materials, 'madera' is often the best choice, especially when translated as 'timber' or 'lumber'.

A tiny, vibrant green seedling pushing strongly out of rich dark soil, bathed in a soft, bright light.

Figuratively, madera can mean potential or natural aptitude, like a strong seed ready to grow.

madera(noun)

fB2

potential

natural aptitude or ability

talent

innate skill

Also:

makings

having the basic qualities for success

stuff

the right qualities (informal)

📝 In Action

Este joven tiene madera de campeón.

This young person has the makings of a champion (or: champion potential).

Creo que tienes madera para ser un gran jefe.

I think you have the potential to be a great boss.

Al principio dudaba, pero demostró tener mucha madera para el baile.

At first, I doubted it, but she showed she had a lot of talent for dancing.

Word Connections

Synonyms

talento (talent)
aptitud (aptitude)

Common Collocations

tener madera para algo – to have the potential/talent for something
madera de líder – leadership potential

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

This meaning is almost always used in the construction 'tener madera de...' (to have the wood/stuff of...) followed by the role or goal, like 'campeón' or 'artista'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'la' or 'una'

Mistake: "Decir 'Tiene la madera para ser doctor.'"

Correction: When used figuratively, 'madera' usually does NOT take the definite article 'la'. Say: 'Tiene madera para ser doctor.' (He has the potential to be a doctor).

⭐ Usage Tips

A Positive Compliment

Using 'madera' this way is a strong, slightly poetic way to compliment someone's natural abilities and future promise.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: madera

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'madera' in its figurative sense (meaning talent)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

madero(log or beam) - noun

maderero(lumberjack or timber merchant) - noun

maderamen(framework/structure of wood) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'wood' when referring to a forest or woods?

If you mean a forest or a collection of trees, use 'el bosque' or 'la selva'. 'Madera' is only the material itself or the figurative sense of talent.

Is 'madera' always feminine?

Yes, 'madera' is always a feminine noun, requiring 'la' or 'una' before it.