perla

pearl

noun PEHR-lah Rare

Origin: From Old French perle, possibly from Latin perna (sea mussel).

Also means

gem

Usage Note

Perla can refer to a literal pearl from an oyster or be used figuratively for something or someone of exceptional quality (es una perla — 'she's a gem'). The phrase perlas de sabiduría (pearls of wisdom) mirrors the English idiom exactly. Pearls are always feminine (la perla).

Examples

"El collar tenía una perla auténtica."

Natural Translation

The necklace had a genuine pearl.

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