roca
/ROH-kah/
rock
Roca (rock): A large, natural formation found in the environment.
📝 In Action
El escalador se agarró a una roca para no caer.
A2The climber held onto a rock so he wouldn't fall.
Vimos muchas rocas grandes cerca del mar.
A1We saw many large rocks near the sea.
La geología es el estudio de las rocas y la tierra.
B1Geology is the study of rocks and the earth.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun Rule
Remember that 'roca' is always feminine, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives: 'la roca' (the rock), 'una roca grande' (a big rock).
⭐ Usage Tips
Roca vs. Piedra
Use 'roca' for larger, immobile masses of stone (like a cliff or boulder). Use 'piedra' for smaller, handheld stones or pebbles.
Roca (rock): Metaphorically, someone who acts as a pillar of strength or reliable support for others.
roca(noun)
rock
?pillar of strength/support
stronghold
?source of stability
,pillar
?person who provides support
📝 In Action
Su madre ha sido la roca de la familia durante todos estos años difíciles.
B2His mother has been the rock of the family during all these difficult years.
Aunque todo se derrumbó, él se mantuvo como una roca.
C1Even though everything collapsed, he remained like a rock (steadfast).
💡 Grammar Points
Using Figuratively
When using 'roca' to describe a person, you are emphasizing their emotional strength or reliability, not their physical appearance.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: roca
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'roca' in its figurative sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'roca' un sustantivo femenino o masculino?
Roca es siempre un sustantivo femenino. Por eso decimos 'la roca' (the rock) y no 'el roco'.
How do I describe something that is made of rock?
You can use the related adjective 'rocoso/rocosa'. For example, 'una playa rocosa' means 'a rocky beach'.