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How to Say "iron" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “iron” is “hierro” — use 'hierro' when referring to the metal element itself or objects made from it, like in construction or historical artifacts.

English → Spanish

hierro

YAIR-rohˈje.ro

nounA1general
Use 'hierro' when referring to the metal element itself or objects made from it, like in construction or historical artifacts.
A heavy, dark gray rectangular block of raw metallic iron resting on a stone surface.

Examples

El puente antiguo está hecho de hierro forjado.

The old bridge is made of wrought iron.

Necesitamos más hierro en nuestra dieta para estar saludables.

We need more iron in our diet to be healthy.

El hierro es un metal muy resistente y pesado.

Iron is a very resistant and heavy metal.

Voy a pasar el hierro a la ropa antes de salir.

I am going to iron the clothes before leaving. (Literally: I am going to pass the iron over the clothes.)

Always Masculine

Remember that 'hierro' is always a masculine noun, so it takes masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'el hierro', 'hierro viejo').

Using 'Hierro' for Ironing

In many contexts, 'hierro' stands in for the full phrase 'plancha de hierro' (clothes iron). If you are talking about smoothing clothes, 'plancha' is also very common.

plancha

plahn-chahˈplant͡ʃa

nounA1general
Use 'plancha' specifically for the household appliance used to smooth clothes with heat.
A modern electric clothes iron sitting on an ironing board.

Examples

He comprado una plancha nueva porque la vieja no calienta.

I bought a new iron because the old one doesn't heat up.

Tengo una montaña de plancha acumulada desde el lunes.

I have a mountain of ironing piled up since Monday.

Ten cuidado, la plancha todavía está muy caliente.

Be careful, the iron is still very hot.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine. Use 'la plancha' or 'una plancha,' never 'el' or 'un.'

Iron the Metal vs. Iron the Tool

Mistake: “La mesa es de plancha.”

Correction: La mesa es de hierro.

hierro

noun (used for verb)B1general
Use 'hierro' (as a noun in this context) when talking about the action of ironing clothes, often as part of the phrase 'pasar el hierro'.

Examples

Voy a pasar el hierro a la ropa antes de salir.

I am going to iron the clothes before leaving.

Appliance vs. Metal

The most common mistake is using 'hierro' for the clothing appliance. Remember, 'plancha' is the specific noun for the iron you use on clothes. 'Hierro' refers to the metal or objects made of it, and only in a specific construction ('pasar el hierro') does it relate to the action of ironing.

Related Translations

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