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piedra

pee-AY-drah/'pjeðɾa/

“piedra” means “stone” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

stone

Also: rock
NounfA1
A single, smooth, grey-brown river stone resting on a patch of dirt.

📝 In Action

Lanzó una pequeña piedra al río para hacer ondas.

A1

She threw a small stone into the river to make ripples.

Esta pared está hecha de piedra antigua.

A2

This wall is made of ancient rock.

El camino estaba lleno de piedras sueltas.

A1

The road was full of loose stones.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • roca (rock (larger piece))
  • guijarro (pebble)

Common Collocations

  • piedra caliza – limestone
  • piedra angular – cornerstone
  • duro como una piedra – hard as a rock

gemstone, grit

Also: gallstone / kidney stone, flint
NounfB1
A large, brilliantly cut, faceted emerald green gemstone sparkling brightly.

📝 In Action

Le regaló un anillo con una piedra preciosa.

B1

He gave her a ring with a precious gemstone.

El doctor dijo que tengo una piedra en el riñón.

B2

The doctor said I have a kidney stone.

Tuvimos que usar una piedra de mechero para encender la fogata.

B1

We had to use a lighter flint to start the campfire.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • joya (jewel)
  • cálculo (medical stone/calculus)

Common Collocations

  • piedra filosofal – philosopher's stone
  • corazón de piedra – hard-hearted, emotionless

Idioms & Expressions

  • quedarse de piedra – to be stunned or dumbfounded
  • ser la piedra en el zapato – to be a persistent nuisance or obstacle

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "piedra" in Spanish:

flint→gemstone→grit→rock→stone→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: piedra

Question 1 of 2

¿Cuál es la mejor traducción de la frase: 'Se quedó de piedra cuando escuchó la noticia'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
pedregoso(stony, rocky) — Adjective
lapidar(to stone (execute)) — Verb
pedrada(stone throw / blow from a stone) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
hiedracátedra
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *petra*, which also meant 'stone' or 'rock.' It is a very old word that has stayed consistent across many related European languages.

First recorded: 10th century (in Romance languages)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: pietraPortuguese: pedraFrench: pierre

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Frequently Asked Questions

¿Is there a difference between 'piedra' and 'roca'?

Yes, generally. 'Piedra' is the versatile word for stones, pebbles, or small/medium chunks of rock. 'Roca' usually refers to large geological formations, boulders, or the material that makes up a mountain.

How do I describe someone as being unemotional using this word?

You can use the phrase 'tener un corazón de piedra' (to have a heart of stone), meaning they are cold, hard-hearted, or lack feeling.