How to Say "stones" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “stones” is “piedras” — use 'piedras' for natural, solid mineral matter found in nature, such as on a beach, in a garden, or as building material.
Use 'piedras' for natural, solid mineral matter found in nature, such as on a beach, in a garden, or as building material.
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Use 'rocas' for larger, often immovable natural formations of mineral matter, typically encountered in geological contexts or when climbing.
Learn more →Use 'cálculos' exclusively for medical deposits that form within the body, such as kidney stones or gallstones.
Learn more →pyeh-drahsˈpjéðɾas
Examples
Las piedras del camino eran muy resbaladizas.
The stones on the path were very slippery.
Los niños recogieron muchas piedras en la playa.
The children collected many stones on the beach.
Hay que tener cuidado con las piedras en el camino.
You have to be careful with the rocks on the road.
Ella lleva un collar con piedras preciosas.
She is wearing a necklace with precious gems.
Feminine Plural
This word is the plural form of 'piedra' (stone). Remember that 'piedra' is always a feminine word, so any words describing it must also be feminine (e.g., 'piedras blancas').
Countable Noun
'Piedras' is a countable noun, meaning you can count individual stones. Use numbers or quantity words like 'muchas' (many) with it.
Gender confusion
Mistake: “Los piedras son grandes.”
Correction: Las piedras son grandes. (Since 'piedra' is feminine, the article 'las' must be used.)
ROH-kasˈro.kas
Examples
La escalada de rocas requiere equipo especial.
Rock climbing requires special equipment.
Tuvimos que escalar por encima de muchas rocas para llegar a la cima.
We had to climb over many rocks to reach the summit.
El mar golpea fuertemente contra las rocas de la costa.
The sea strongly hits against the rocks on the coast.
Always Feminine Plural
Since 'roca' (rock) is a feminine word, its plural form 'rocas' requires feminine words like 'las' or 'muchas' to go with it.
Using the wrong article
Mistake: “Los rocas son duras.”
Correction: Las rocas son duras. (Remember, use 'las' because 'rocas' is feminine.)
cálculos
Examples
El médico le recetó un tratamiento para sus cálculos biliares.
The doctor prescribed him treatment for his gallstones.
Natural vs. Medical Stones
The most common mistake is using 'piedras' or 'rocas' when referring to medical conditions. Remember that 'cálculos' is the specific term for deposits formed inside the body, like kidney stones. 'Piedras' and 'rocas' always refer to geological or natural objects.
Related Translations
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