Inklingo

How to Say "hide" in Spanish

English → Spanish

piel

/pyehl//pjel/

nounB1general
Use 'piel' when referring to the untreated skin of an animal, especially when discussing its use in making durable items like boots or jackets.
A simple, square piece of rich, brown tanned leather material, showing its texture.

Examples

Las botas de piel son muy duraderas, pero caras.

Leather boots are very durable, but expensive.

Prefiero los muebles de piel sintética.

I prefer synthetic leather furniture.

Piel vs. Cuero

Mistake: “Using 'piel' when referring specifically to tough, heavy leather.”

Correction: 'Piel' often implies a softer or finer quality of leather, or simply the raw hide. If you mean thick, rough material (like for saddles or belts), 'cuero' is a better choice.

cuero

KWEH-roh/ˈkweɾo/

nounA1general
Use 'cuero' when referring to the processed and tanned animal skin that is commonly used for items like shoes, belts, and upholstery.
A close-up view of a large, rolled-up piece of brown tanned leather material, showing the texture of the hide.

Examples

Compramos unos zapatos de cuero negro muy elegantes.

We bought some very elegant black leather shoes.

El cinturón de cuero se rompió después de muchos años de uso.

The leather belt broke after many years of use.

Distinguishing 'piel' and 'cuero'

The main confusion arises from whether the skin is still raw or has been processed into leather. While 'piel' can sometimes refer to leather in a general sense, 'cuero' specifically denotes tanned leather, especially for items like shoes and bags.

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