peón

pawn

noun peh-OHN Rare

Origin: From Medieval Latin pedo, pedonis (foot soldier).

Also means

unskilled labourer

Usage Note

Peón covers the chess pawn and, in labour contexts, an unskilled day labourer or farmhand (peón agrícola). In chess the plural peones is standard. The feminine peona exists but is rare; peonza (spinning top) is an unrelated word. Stress falls on the final syllable, unlike English 'peon'.

Examples

"Sacrificó un peón para abrir la posición."

Natural Translation

He sacrificed a pawn to open the position.

Free starter pack

Building your Spanish vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Spanish words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Respond to ¿Cómo Estás? (Not Just Bien)

Respond to ¿cómo estás? like a native: add gracias, bounce back ¿y tú?, and pick a reply by mood — bien, no me quejo, más o menos, or ahí voy.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Tell Time in Spanish: A Beginner's Guide

Tell time in Spanish with one formula: es la una vs son las, y and menos for minutes, plus de la mañana, en punto, and 24-hour station times.

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