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perla

PEHR-lah/ˈpeɾla/

“perla” means “pearl” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

pearl

Also: bead
NounfA2
A single, perfectly round white pearl resting inside an open oyster shell on a sandy seabed.

📝 In Action

Ella lleva un collar de perlas muy elegante.

A1

She is wearing a very elegant pearl necklace.

Las perlas se forman dentro de las ostras en el mar.

A2

Pearls form inside oysters in the sea.

Tenía perlas de sudor en la frente después de correr.

B1

He had beads of sweat on his forehead after running.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • nácar (mother-of-pearl)

Common Collocations

  • collar de perlas – pearl necklace
  • blanco perla – pearl white
  • perlas de sudor – beads of sweat

Idioms & Expressions

  • no se han hecho las margaritas para los cerdos – don't waste good things on those who don't appreciate them (similar to 'casting pearls before swine')

gem

Also: howler / remark
NounfB2informal
A shining, multifaceted red gemstone glowing on a velvet cushion.

📝 In Action

Mi nueva secretaria es una perla; lo organiza todo perfectamente.

B1

My new secretary is a gem; she organizes everything perfectly.

¡Vaya perla soltó el político en la entrevista!

C1

What a 'gem' (blunder/outrageous remark) the politician dropped in the interview!

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • soltar una perla – to drop a gem (often sarcastically)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "perla" in Spanish:

bead→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: perla

Question 1 of 3

If you find a 'perla' in your soup, what are you likely finding?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
perlita(little pearl) — Noun
aperlado(pearly/pearl-colored) — Adjective
perlescente(pearlescent) — Adjective
perlería(collection of pearls) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
merlaverlatenerla
📚 Etymology▼

From the Late Latin word 'perla', which might come from 'perula' (meaning a little pear, because of its shape).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: pearlFrench: perleItalian: perla

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'perla' always feminine?

Yes, 'perla' is a feminine noun. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it, regardless of what you are referring to.

Can 'perla' be used for colors?

Yes! 'Blanco perla' (pearl white) or 'gris perla' (pearl gray) are common ways to describe specific shades of color.

Is 'perla' the same as 'cuenta'?

Not exactly. 'Perla' refers to the organic gem from an oyster. 'Cuenta' refers to beads used in crafts or necklaces made of wood, glass, or plastic.