Inklingo

How to Say "steel" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acero

ah-SEH-roh/aˈθeɾo/

nounB1
Use 'acero' when referring to the specific metal alloy known as steel, particularly in modern construction, manufacturing, or technical contexts.
A single, rectangular ingot of shiny, gray steel.

Examples

El rascacielos tiene una estructura de acero y cristal.

The skyscraper has a structure of steel and glass.

Compramos unos sartenes de acero inoxidable para la cocina.

We bought some stainless steel pans for the kitchen.

El acero es más fuerte que el hierro puro.

Steel is stronger than pure iron.

Gender Rule

Like most materials in Spanish (such as 'oro' or 'cobre'), 'acero' is a masculine noun, so you always use the article 'el' with it: 'el acero'.

hierro

YAIR-roh/ˈje.ro/

nounA1
Use 'hierro' when referring to iron, but be aware it can sometimes be used loosely for strong metal in non-technical descriptions, especially for older items like wrought iron.
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.

Always Masculine

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

Acero vs. Hierro

Learners often confuse 'acero' and 'hierro' because 'hierro' (iron) can sometimes be used informally for strong metals. However, for the specific alloy 'steel', 'acero' is almost always the correct and precise term.

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