How to Say "quarry" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “quarry” is “cantera” — use 'cantera' when referring to a place, usually an open pit or mine, from which stone or other materials are extracted.
cantera
kan-te-rakanˈteɾa
Examples
La piedra para construir la catedral vino de una cantera local.
The stone to build the cathedral came from a local quarry.
Trabajar en la cantera es un empleo muy duro y físico.
Working in the quarry is a very hard and physical job.
Hay varias canteras de mármol en esta región de España.
There are several marble quarries in this region of Spain.
Always Feminine
This word is always feminine ('la cantera'), even when referring to a group of male players in its sports meaning.
Mina vs. Cantera
Mistake: “Using 'mina' for everything underground.”
Correction: Use 'mina' for minerals/metals like gold or coal, but 'cantera' specifically for building stones like marble or granite.
presa
PREH-sahˈpɾe.sa
Examples
El águila localizó a su presa en el campo abierto.
The eagle located its prey in the open field.
El estafador siempre busca una presa fácil.
The con artist always looks for an easy victim (prey).
Gender Reminder
Even when referring to a male animal that is hunted, 'presa' remains feminine because the word itself is feminine.
Confusing 'Prey' and 'Predator'
Mistake: “Using 'presa' to mean the animal that hunts.”
Correction: Remember 'presa' is the one captured or taken. The hunter is the 'depredador' (predator).
Cantera vs. Presa
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.