Inklingo

How to Say "jewelry" in Spanish

English → Spanish

joyas

HOY-ahsˈxo.ʝas

nounA1general
Use 'joyas' when referring to the actual precious ornaments like rings, necklaces, and earrings themselves.
A simple gold necklace with a large pendant and a matching gold ring with a ruby, resting on a small purple velvet cushion.

Examples

Ella heredó las joyas de su abuela.

She inherited her grandmother's jewelry.

Perdió algunas joyas caras en el viaje.

She lost some expensive jewels on the trip.

Compramos joyas de plata en el mercado local.

We bought silver jewelry at the local market.

Plural Form

Remember that 'joyas' is the plural form of 'joya' (a single piece of jewelry or gem). When referring to the entire category of things you wear, Spanish often uses the plural 'joyas'.

Using 'joyería' instead of 'joyas'

Mistake: “La joyería es muy bonita. (Intended: The jewelry is very pretty.)”

Correction: Las joyas son muy bonitas. ('Joyería' means the jewelry store or the craft of jewelry making, not the items themselves.)

joyería

nounA2general
Use 'joyería' to refer to a store that sells jewelry, or sometimes the collective group of jewelry items as a category.

Examples

Hay una joyería muy cara en el centro comercial.

There is a very expensive jewelry store in the mall.

Distinguishing 'joyas' from 'joyería'

The most common mistake is using 'joyería' when you mean the actual pieces of jewelry. Remember, 'joyas' are the items (rings, necklaces), while 'joyería' is the store or the business.

Related Translations

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