Inklingo

How to Say "gem" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “gem” is “joya” — use 'joya' to describe a person who is exceptionally helpful, wonderful, or valuable, often in a practical or supportive way.

English → Spanish

joya

HO-yahˈxoʝa

nounB1general
Use 'joya' to describe a person who is exceptionally helpful, wonderful, or valuable, often in a practical or supportive way.
A kind person with a gentle smile handing a warm cup of tea to an elderly person.

Examples

Tu hermano es una joya, siempre me ayuda con las compras.

Your brother is a gem; he always helps me with the shopping.

Este pequeño restaurante es una joya escondida.

This little restaurant is a hidden gem.

ángel

AHN-helˈaŋxel

nounB1general
Use 'ángel' for a person who is incredibly good, kind, and well-behaved, implying an almost saintly nature.
A smiling small child offering a bright red flower to an older adult, illustrating kindness.

Examples

Mi hija es un ángel, nunca se queja.

My daughter is an angel; she never complains.

¡Gracias por la ayuda, eres un ángel!

Thank you for the help, you are an angel!

Su novio es un ángel; siempre le trae flores.

Her boyfriend is a sweetheart; he always brings her flowers.

Gender Stays Masculine

When you call a woman or girl 'an angel,' the word 'ángel' itself remains masculine: 'Ella es un ángel.' (She is an angel.) You do not change it to 'ángela'.

Mixing up Gender

Mistake: “Mi hermana es una ángela.”

Correction: Mi hermana es un ángel. ('Ángel' is always masculine, even if the person is female.)

perla

PEHR-lahˈpeɾla

nounB2general
Choose 'perla' to highlight a person or thing that is extremely valuable, rare, and highly esteemed for its quality or rarity.
A shining, multifaceted red gemstone glowing on a velvet cushion.

Examples

Mi nueva secretaria es una perla; lo organiza todo perfectamente.

My new secretary is a gem; she organizes everything perfectly.

¡Vaya perla soltó el político en la entrevista!

What a 'gem' (blunder/outrageous remark) the politician dropped in the interview!

Sarcastic Tone

In Spanish, calling something a 'perla' often depends on your tone of voice. If someone says something stupid, calling it a 'perla' is sarcastic.

Literal Translation

maravilla

mah-rah-VEE-yahma.ɾaˈβi.ʎa

nounA2general
Use 'maravilla' primarily to describe a place or object that is astonishingly beautiful, impressive, or perfect.
A brightly colored illustration of a small child looking up at a large, glowing, floating star in the night sky, their face expressing deep wonder and astonishment.

Examples

El Gran Cañón es una maravilla natural del mundo.

The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder of the world.

Esta nueva aplicación es una maravilla; me ahorra muchísimo tiempo.

This new app is a marvel; it saves me so much time.

Su capacidad para improvisar en el escenario es una maravilla que pocos pueden igualar.

His ability to improvise on stage is a wonder that few can match.

Gender Alert

Even though 'maravilla' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Confusing Noun and Adverb

Mistake: “La comida era maravilla. (Incorrect)”

Correction: La comida era una maravilla. OR La comida estaba de maravilla. (Correct). You need the article 'una' or the phrase 'de' to make it sound natural.

prenda

PREN-dahˈpɾenda

nounC1informal
Use 'prenda' for someone who is highly valued, often with a slightly informal or idiomatic sense of being a 'character' or a great person.
A sparkling green emerald gemstone sitting on a wooden table.

Examples

Mi nieto es una buena prenda, siempre me ayuda.

My grandson is a real gem; he always helps me.

¡Menuda prenda estás hecho!

You're quite a piece of work!

Irony is Key

When calling someone a 'prenda,' pay attention to the tone. It's often used by parents or grandparents to describe a cheeky child.

Choosing Between 'Joya', 'Ángel', and 'Perla'

Learners often confuse 'joya', 'ángel', and 'perla' when referring to a person. 'Joya' is the most versatile for someone helpful, 'ángel' implies extreme goodness and lack of trouble, while 'perla' emphasizes rarity and high value.

Related Translations

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