Inklingo
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piel

pyehl/pjel/

skin

Also: complexion
NounfA1
A close-up view of healthy human skin on an arm, showing subtle texture and warmth.

📝 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)

leather

Also: hide
NounfB1
Mexico
A simple, square piece of rich, brown tanned leather material, showing its texture.

📝 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

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "piel" in Spanish:

complexion→hide→leather→skin→

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
mielriel
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *pellis*, which meant 'animal hide' or 'skin.' This Latin root gave rise to words for coverings and hides in several Romance languages.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: peauItalian: pelle

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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.