Inklingo
← Dictionary

piel

/pyehl/

skin

A close-up view of healthy human skin on an arm, showing subtle texture and warmth.

Piel can refer to the outer covering of a body, known as 'skin'.

piel(noun)

fA1

skin

?

outer covering of a body

Also:

complexion

?

referring to the face/appearance

📝 In Action

Debes proteger tu piel del sol en verano.

A1

You must protect your skin from the sun in summer.

El doctor revisó la piel para ver si había alguna alergia.

A2

The doctor checked the skin to see if there was any allergy.

Se me puso la piel de gallina cuando escuché esa canción.

B1

I got goosebumps when I heard that song. (Literally: My skin became chicken skin)

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cutis (skin (especially face))

Common Collocations

  • piel sensible – sensitive skin
  • crema para la piel – skin cream

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar a flor de piel – to be raw, exposed, or very sensitive (emotions)

💡 Grammar Points

Use of the Article 'La'

When talking about your own body parts, Spanish often uses the definite article ('la' or 'el') instead of the possessive word ('mi' or 'tu'). Say 'Me piqué la piel' (I pricked my skin), not 'mi piel'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Goosebumps Phrase

The phrase for getting goosebumps is 'ponerse la piel de gallina' (to get chicken skin). It’s common and very useful for expressing fear or emotional impact.

A simple, square piece of rich, brown tanned leather material, showing its texture.

Piel also translates to 'leather', material made from treated animal hide.

piel(noun)

fB1

leather

?

material made from animal skin (often fine or soft quality)

Also:

hide

?

untreated skin of an animal

📝 In Action

Las botas de piel son muy duraderas, pero caras.

B1

Leather boots are very durable, but expensive.

Prefiero los muebles de piel sintética.

B2

I prefer synthetic leather furniture.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cuero (leather (often thick, tough quality))

Common Collocations

  • piel de cocodrilo – crocodile skin/leather
  • productos de piel – leather goods

❌ Common Pitfalls

Piel vs. Cuero

Mistake: "Using 'piel' when referring specifically to tough, heavy leather."

Correction: 'Piel' often implies a softer or finer quality of leather, or simply the raw hide. If you mean thick, rough material (like for saddles or belts), 'cuero' is a better choice.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: piel

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'piel' to mean 'leather'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cutáneo(cutaneous (related to skin)) - adjective
peletero(furrier/leatherworker) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'piel' ever mean 'fur'?

Yes, 'piel' can sometimes be used to refer to the fur or hide of an animal, especially when talking about textiles (e.g., 'ropa de piel' can mean fur clothing). However, the word 'pelo' (hair/fur) or 'pelaje' (coat) is more precise for the hair itself.

How is 'piel' different from 'cáscara' or 'corteza'?

'Piel' refers specifically to the covering of a person or animal. 'Cáscara' is the shell or peel of a fruit or egg. 'Corteza' is the bark of a tree or the crust of bread.