riñón
“riñón” means “kidney” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
kidney
Also: loin
📝 In Action
El médico dijo que mis riñones funcionan perfectamente.
A2The doctor said my kidneys are working perfectly.
Siento dolor en la zona del riñón derecho.
B1I feel pain in the area of the right kidney.
fortune
Also: arm and a leg
📝 In Action
Ese coche deportivo costó un riñón, ¿verdad?
B2That sports car cost an arm and a leg, didn't it?
Tiene tanto dinero que podría comprar un riñón de la ciudad.
C1He has so much money he could buy a fortune (or a huge chunk) of the city.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: riñón
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'riñón' in its figurative meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin 'ren,' which also means kidney. The ending '-ón' was added later, possibly as an augmentative suffix, but the core meaning of the vital organ has remained constant over centuries.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in written Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'riñón' used to mean a lot of money?
It's used because the kidneys are vital organs; losing one is a huge sacrifice. Therefore, to 'cost a kidney' means the price is so high it feels like you're giving up something essential and immensely valuable.
Is 'riñón' ever used in the feminine form?
No, 'riñón' is exclusively masculine. If you are referring to a fanny pack or kidney belt, you would use the related feminine noun 'la riñonera'.