Inklingo

How to Say "skin" in Spanish

English → Spanish

piel

/pyehl//pjel/

nounA1general
Use 'piel' for the outer covering of a person's or animal's body, or for the material made from it.
A close-up view of healthy human skin on an arm, showing subtle texture and warmth.

Examples

Debes proteger tu piel del sol en verano.

You must protect your skin from the sun in summer.

El doctor revisó la piel para ver si había alguna alergia.

The doctor checked the skin to see if there was any allergy.

Se me puso la piel de gallina cuando escuché esa canción.

I got goosebumps when I heard that song. (Literally: My skin became chicken skin)

Use of the Article 'La'

When talking about your own body parts, Spanish often uses the definite article ('la' or 'el') instead of the possessive word ('mi' or 'tu'). Say 'Me piqué la piel' (I pricked my skin), not 'mi piel'.

cuero

KWEH-roh/ˈkweɾo/

nounB1informal
Use 'cuero' informally to refer to human skin, especially when it feels dry, itchy, or tough, or for the whole body in a similar context.
A close-up illustration of a person's forearm and hand resting naturally, focusing on the smooth texture of the human skin.

Examples

Me pica el cuero después de la picadura del mosquito.

My skin is itchy after the mosquito bite.

Se jugó el cuero por su familia.

He risked his neck (life) for his family.

película

nounB2general
Use 'película' to describe a thin layer or film that forms on the surface of liquids or other substances, not for body skin.

Examples

Una fina película de polvo cubría los muebles.

A thin film of dust covered the furniture.

Confusing 'piel' and 'cuero'

Learners often use 'cuero' when they mean 'piel'. Remember that 'piel' is the standard, general term for skin. 'Cuero' is more informal and often implies a specific texture or condition of the skin, or is used for tanned animal hides.

Related Translations

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