hierro

iron

noun YEH-rroh Less Common

Origin: From Latin ferrum, with the initial f- shifting to h- (later silent) and then y- before the diphthong — a classic Castilian sound change also seen in hijo (from filius).

Usage Note

Hierro is the metal iron; for the household appliance you use to press clothes, speakers say la plancha. The idiom de hierro ('of iron') describes exceptional physical toughness — una salud de hierro means robust health. Note the initial h is silent.

Examples

"Este puente está hecho de hierro."

Natural Translation

This bridge is made of iron.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

You're Welcome in Spanish: Beyond De Nada

You're welcome in Spanish is more than de nada. Learn con gusto, no hay de qué, a la orden and more — and which to use by region and how formal the moment is.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Subjunctive Explained Simply for Beginners

The Spanish subjunctive is a mood, not a tense — use it after a WEIRDO trigger plus que. Learn the one rule, the yo-form recipe, and the lines you already say.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

How to Roll Your Rs in Spanish (Even If You Can't Yet)

Roll your Rs in Spanish by building from the butter sound you already make, then adding airflow. A step-by-step method, minimal pairs, and self-check drills.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

How to Introduce Yourself in Spanish: 12 Real Phrases

Introduce yourself in Spanish with 12 ready-to-speak phrases — name, origin, age, and job — in both tú and usted, with the verb traps that trip up beginners.

June 9, 2026 5 min read