Inklingo

How to Say "gem" in Spanish

English → Spanish

joya

HO-yah/ˈxoʝa/

nounB1informal
Use 'joya' when describing a person who is exceptionally kind, helpful, or wonderful, similar to calling someone 'a gem'.
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-hel/ˈaŋxel/

nounB1informal
Choose 'ángel' to describe a person who is exceptionally good, kind, or patient, often implying innocence or a lack of trouble.
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.)

maravilla

mah-rah-VEE-yah/ma.ɾaˈβi.ʎa/

nounA2
Use 'maravilla' to describe something (like an object or place) that is astonishingly beautiful, impressive, or perfect, often translated as 'wonder'.
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.

Person vs. Thing: 'Joya'/'Ángel' vs. 'Maravilla'

The most common mistake is using 'maravilla' for people. Remember that 'joya' and 'ángel' are used for wonderful people, while 'maravilla' describes impressive objects, places, or concepts, akin to 'wonder'.

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