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A1 noun #4,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

hombro

Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces hombro en 30 secondes

Explication hombro in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word hombro is introduced as part of basic vocabulary for body parts. Students learn to identify where the shoulder is and how to use it in simple descriptions. For example, you might learn to say 'tengo dos hombros' (I have two shoulders) or 'mi hombro es pequeño' (my shoulder is small). The focus is on the literal anatomical meaning. Grammar-wise, A1 students learn that 'hombro' is a masculine noun and requires the article 'el'. They also begin to use it with the verb 'doler' (to hurt) in very simple sentences like 'me duele el hombro'. This level emphasizes recognition and basic production in predictable, everyday contexts such as a simple doctor's visit or describing a person's physical appearance. Understanding that the 'h' is silent is a key pronunciation goal at this stage.

In the A2 level, learners expand their use of hombro to include more dynamic interactions and basic idiomatic expressions. You will learn to describe actions like 'encogerse de hombros' (to shrug) to express that you don't know something. The vocabulary becomes more functional, allowing you to describe how you carry things, such as 'llevo la mochila al hombro'. You also start to use more descriptive adjectives like 'anchos' (broad) or 'fuertes' (strong) to describe physical characteristics in more detail. In terms of grammar, A2 students should become more comfortable with the reflexive and indirect object pronouns used with body parts, moving away from the English-influenced 'mi hombro' towards the more natural 'el hombro'. This level also introduces the plural form 'los hombros' in more complex sentence structures.

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At the B1 level, hombro begins to appear in more metaphorical and abstract contexts. Learners are introduced to the concept of 'arrimar el hombro', which means to work together or pitch in. This reflects a shift from purely physical descriptions to social and collaborative concepts. You will also learn to express emotional support using the phrase 'un hombro donde llorar'. In terms of health and fitness, B1 learners can describe more specific conditions or exercises, such as 'hacer ejercicios para fortalecer los hombros'. The grammar becomes more sophisticated, incorporating the word into different tenses and moods, such as the subjunctive: 'Espero que no te duela el hombro'. Learners at this stage are expected to understand the word in a variety of listening and reading materials, including short news articles or stories.

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At the B2 level, students should have a nuanced understanding of hombro and its role in complex idiomatic expressions and formal language. You will learn expressions like 'mirar por encima del hombro', which describes a person's arrogant attitude. This requires an understanding of social hierarchy and tone. In professional or academic contexts, 'hombro con hombro' is used to emphasize solidarity in work or political movements. B2 learners are also expected to be familiar with technical terms related to the shoulder in medical or athletic contexts, such as 'luxación de hombro' (shoulder dislocation) or 'manguito rotador'. Your ability to use the word in debate or detailed description should be fluid, and you should be able to distinguish between 'hombro' and related terms like 'espalda' or 'clavícula' without hesitation in both speech and writing.

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At the C1 level, hombro is used with high precision in literary, technical, and highly idiomatic Spanish. You will encounter the word in sophisticated literature where the set of a character's shoulders might be used as a subtle cue for their internal psychological state. You will also be comfortable with archaic or less common uses of the word. At this stage, you should be able to appreciate the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other Romance languages. Your use of idioms like 'poner el hombro' or 'sobre sus hombros recae la responsabilidad' should be natural and contextually appropriate. C1 learners can engage in deep discussions about health, fashion, or sociology where the shoulder serves as a literal or symbolic point of reference. You should also be able to identify regional variations in how these expressions are used across the Spanish-speaking world.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of hombro is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand the finest nuances of its usage in legal, medical, and poetic texts. You can use the word to construct complex metaphors and are fully aware of its historical development from Latin. In professional medical or scientific settings, you can discuss the biomechanics of the shoulder joint with ease. You are also familiar with very specific cultural references, such as how 'hombro' might be used in traditional dances or specific regional idioms that are not commonly taught in standard curricula. Your ability to play with the word—using it in puns, creative writing, or high-level rhetoric—demonstrates a complete integration of the term into your linguistic repertoire. You can effortlessly switch between informal slang and the most formal registers where the shoulder symbolizes the pillar of a community or family.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

hombro en 30 secondes

Hombro is a masculine Spanish noun meaning 'shoulder', essential for basic anatomy and describing physical actions like shrugging or carrying items.
It is frequently used in idiomatic expressions such as 'arrimar el hombro' (to help) and 'hombro con hombro' (working together).
Grammatically, it usually takes the definite article 'el' rather than a possessive adjective when the owner is clear from the context.
Commonly confused with 'hombre' (man), learners must distinguish the final 'o' in 'hombro' to ensure clear communication about body parts.

The Spanish word hombro refers to the shoulder, the anatomical region where the arm joins the torso. In a literal sense, it is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, facilitating a wide range of motion essential for daily tasks. However, beyond the physiological definition, hombro carries significant metaphorical weight in the Spanish language, often symbolizing strength, support, and the burden of responsibility. When you learn this word at an A1 level, you primarily focus on identifying body parts, but as you progress, you will find it embedded in numerous idiomatic expressions that describe human interaction and emotional states.

Anatomical Context: In medical or physical contexts, hombro is used to describe the joint consisting of the clavicle, scapula, and humerus. Doctors might ask if you have pain in your 'hombro derecho' (right shoulder) or 'hombro izquierdo' (left shoulder) during a check-up.
Fashion and Clothing: In the world of design, hombro is a crucial reference point for the fit of a shirt, jacket, or dress. Tailors measure the width from shoulder to shoulder to ensure a garment hangs correctly on the frame.

El atleta se lesionó el hombro durante la competencia de natación.

The athlete injured his shoulder during the swimming competition.

The word is also used in sports, particularly in soccer, where using the shoulder to shield the ball is legal, whereas using the hand or arm is not. This distinction makes hombro a frequent term in sports commentary. Furthermore, the concept of 'carrying the world on one's shoulders' exists in Spanish as 'llevar el mundo sobre los hombros', indicating a heavy burden of stress or duty. This demonstrates how a simple anatomical term transitions into a tool for expressing complex human experiences.

Ella siempre lleva su bolso colgado del hombro derecho.

She always carries her bag hanging from her right shoulder.

Symbolism of Support: The phrase 'un hombro donde llorar' (a shoulder to cry on) is universally understood in Spanish-speaking cultures, emphasizing the shoulder as a place of comfort and emotional refuge during difficult times.

In summary, hombro is a versatile noun. Whether you are describing a physical ailment, talking about the latest fashion trends, or expressing deep emotional support, this word is indispensable. Its pronunciation is straightforward, and its usage is consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions, from Spain to Latin America. Understanding its literal and figurative applications will significantly enrich your vocabulary and allow you to communicate more naturally with native speakers.

Debemos trabajar hombro con hombro para terminar este proyecto a tiempo.

We must work shoulder to shoulder to finish this project on time.

El niño se sentó sobre los hombros de su padre para ver el desfile.

The boy sat on his father's shoulders to see the parade.

Common Verbs: Verbs frequently paired with hombro include 'encoger' (to shrug), 'levantar' (to raise), and 'apoyar' (to lean or support).

Cuando le pregunté la dirección, él simplemente encogió los hombros.

When I asked him for the address, he simply shrugged his shoulders.

Using hombro in sentences requires an understanding of basic Spanish syntax, particularly the use of definite articles with body parts. Unlike English, where we often use possessive adjectives (my shoulder, your shoulder), Spanish speakers typically use the definite article (el hombro, los hombros) when the owner of the body part is clear from the context, often indicated by a reflexive pronoun or an indirect object pronoun.

Possession with Body Parts: Instead of saying 'Mi hombro duele', it is more natural to say 'Me duele el hombro'. The 'Me' indicates that the pain is happening to 'me', and 'el hombro' identifies the specific part.

Me puse una compresa fría en el hombro para bajar la inflamación.

I put a cold compress on my shoulder to reduce the inflammation.

When describing physical attributes, hombro can be modified by adjectives to give a clearer picture of a person's build. For example, 'hombros anchos' means broad shoulders, while 'hombros caídos' can mean slumped or rounded shoulders. These descriptions are common in literature and everyday storytelling to convey character traits or physical states like tiredness or confidence.

El nadador tiene los hombros muy anchos debido a su entrenamiento.

The swimmer has very broad shoulders due to his training.

Action Verbs: The verb 'encogerse' is reflexive and specifically used with hombros to mean 'to shrug'. Example: 'Se encogió de hombros'.

Another common usage involves the preposition 'a' or 'sobre'. If you are carrying something on your shoulder, you use 'al hombro' or 'sobre el hombro'. For instance, a soldier carries a rifle 'al hombro', and a parent carries a child 'sobre los hombros'. These spatial relationships are vital for accurate descriptions in Spanish.

Caminaba con la mochila al hombro por el sendero de la montaña.

He was walking with his backpack on his shoulder along the mountain path.

No me gusta su actitud porque siempre mira a los demás por encima del hombro.

I don't like his attitude because he always looks down on others.

Prepositional Phrases: Phrases like 'hombro con hombro' (shoulder to shoulder) are used to describe collaborative effort or solidarity.

Finally, when discussing health, you might encounter 'dislocarse el hombro' (to dislocate one's shoulder) or 'tener tensión en los hombros' (to have tension in the shoulders). These phrases are essential for communicating physical needs or conditions to others. By practicing these different structures, you will move from simple identification to complex expression using the word hombro.

Después de un largo día de trabajo, siento mucha tensión en los hombros.

After a long day of work, I feel a lot of tension in my shoulders.

In daily life, hombro is a word you will encounter in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. One of the most common places is at the gym or in a sports context. Personal trainers often give instructions like 'baja los hombros' (lower your shoulders) or 'mantén los hombros relajados' (keep your shoulders relaxed) to ensure proper form during exercises. If you follow Spanish-speaking fitness influencers or attend a yoga class in Spanish, this word will be a staple in your auditory experience.

Medical Settings: If you visit a physiotherapist (fisioterapeuta) or a doctor, hombro will frequently come up during discussions of posture, injury, or rehabilitation. Terms like 'manguito rotador' (rotator cuff) are often mentioned alongside 'hombro'.

El doctor me dijo que tengo una inflamación en el tendón del hombro.

The doctor told me I have an inflammation in the shoulder tendon.

In the fashion industry, specifically in clothing stores or tailoring shops, hombro is used to describe the cut of a garment. You might hear a sales assistant say, 'Esta chaqueta le queda muy bien de hombros' (This jacket fits you very well in the shoulders). In Spanish-speaking countries like Spain, Mexico, or Argentina, fashion is a significant part of social life, and knowing this term helps in finding the right fit.

Me tocó el hombro para avisarme que la cena estaba lista.

He touched my shoulder to let me know that dinner was ready.

News and Literature: Journalists often use metaphorical phrases involving hombro to describe political or social solidarity, such as 'arrimar el hombro' (to pitch in or help out).

You will also hear hombro in music and literature. Songs often use the shoulder as a symbol of support or as a place to rest one's head. For example, in romantic ballads, the singer might offer their shoulder as a place for their lover to lean. In literature, descriptions of characters often include the set of their shoulders to indicate their emotional state—slumped shoulders for sadness or pulled-back shoulders for pride.

Todos debemos arrimar el hombro para superar esta crisis económica.

We must all pitch in to overcome this economic crisis.

Apoyó su cabeza en mi hombro y se quedó dormida durante el viaje.

She rested her head on my shoulder and fell asleep during the trip.

Workplace Cooperation: In a professional setting, a manager might say, 'Necesito que todos arrimen el hombro esta semana' to ask for extra help.

El sastre ajustó los hombros del traje para que le quedara perfecto.

The tailor adjusted the shoulders of the suit so it would fit him perfectly.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using the word hombro is confusing it with the word hombre (man). Because they sound similar and differ by only one letter, it is easy to accidentally say 'me duele el hombre' (my man hurts) instead of 'me duele el hombro' (my shoulder hurts). This mistake often leads to humorous or confusing situations, so paying close attention to the final vowel is crucial for clarity.

Gender Disagreement: Another common error is using the feminine article 'la' with hombro. Since it ends in 'o', it is masculine. Incorrect: 'la hombro'. Correct: 'el hombro'.

Incorrecto: Me duele la hombro. Correcto: Me duele el hombro.

Common mistake involving gender agreement.

English speakers also tend to overuse possessive adjectives like 'mi' (my), 'tu' (your), or 'su' (his/her) when referring to body parts. In Spanish, as mentioned before, the definite article is preferred when the owner is already clear. Saying 'Me lavo mis hombros' (I wash my shoulders) sounds redundant and unnatural to a native speaker. Instead, you should say 'Me lavo los hombros'.

Incorrecto: Mi hombro está cansado. Correcto: Tengo el hombro cansado.

Natural phrasing avoids unnecessary possessives.

Confusion with 'Espalda': Learners sometimes use hombro when they mean 'espalda' (back) or vice versa. While the shoulder is part of the upper back area, 'espalda' refers to the entire posterior surface of the torso.

A more subtle mistake involves the literal translation of English idioms. For example, 'to give someone the cold shoulder' cannot be translated literally as 'darle a alguien el hombro frío'. The equivalent Spanish expression is 'hacer el vacío a alguien' or 'ignorar a alguien'. Attempting to translate idioms word-for-word often results in phrases that make no sense to a native Spanish speaker. Always look for the conceptual equivalent rather than the literal one.

Ella me ignoró por completo; me hizo el vacío después de la discusión.

The correct way to express 'giving the cold shoulder'.

Él lleva el rifle al hombro mientras camina.

Correct use of 'al' when describing how something is carried.

Pluralization Mistake: Remember that when an action affects both shoulders, the noun and its modifiers must be plural. 'Me duelen los hombros' (My shoulders hurt).

Incorrecto: Me duelen el hombro. Correcto: Me duelen los hombros.

Agreement between the verb 'doler' and the plural subject.

While hombro is the specific term for the shoulder, there are several related words that learners should know to describe the upper body accurately. Understanding the differences between these terms will help you be more precise in your descriptions and avoid confusion in medical or physical contexts.

Espalda (Back): The espalda refers to the entire back of the human body. While the shoulders are located at the top of the back, 'espalda' is a much broader term. Example: 'Me duele la espalda' (My back hurts).
Clavícula (Collarbone): The clavícula is the bone that connects the breastplate to the shoulder. In medical discussions, it's important to distinguish between a shoulder injury and a broken collarbone.
Brazo (Arm): The brazo is the entire limb. The shoulder is the joint where the 'brazo' begins. Often, people might say their arm hurts when the pain is actually localized in the shoulder.

La espalda es más ancha que los hombros.

Comparing the 'back' with the 'shoulders'.

In a metaphorical sense, if you want to talk about support but don't want to use the word hombro, you might use 'apoyo' (support) or 'respaldo' (backing/support). 'Respaldo' is often used in political or professional contexts to indicate that someone has the support of a group or institution. For example, 'El candidato tiene el respaldo de su partido' (The candidate has the backing of his party).

Se rompió la clavícula al caerse de la bicicleta.

He broke his collarbone when he fell off his bike.

Comparison Table: - Hombro: The joint (Shoulder).
- Omóplato: Shoulder blade (Scapula).
- Cuello: Neck.

For clothing, instead of hombro, you might hear 'hombrera', which refers specifically to a shoulder pad. This is a common term in fashion design and tailoring. If a jacket has very structured shoulders, it likely has 'hombreras'. Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate specific conversations about anatomy, health, and style with greater confidence and accuracy.

Esa chaqueta de los años 80 tiene hombreras muy grandes.

That 80s jacket has very large shoulder pads.

El fisioterapeuta trabajó en mi omóplato para aliviar el dolor.

The physical therapist worked on my shoulder blade to relieve the pain.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'humerus' (the bone) shares the same Latin root, but in Spanish, 'hombro' evolved to refer to the whole joint area, while 'húmero' is kept for the specific bone.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈombɾo/

US /ˈombɾo/

The stress is on the first syllable: HOM-bro.

Rime avec

Asombro (amazement) Escombro (rubble) Nombro (I name) Desescombro (clearing of rubble) Pronombro (rare/archaic) Alfombro (I carpet/rare) Assombro (archaic spelling) Lombro (rare/dialectal)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'h' like an English 'h' (it must be silent).
Pronouncing the 'r' with an English 'r' sound (it should be a tap).
Confusing the ending with 'e', making it sound like 'hombre'.
Over-extending the final 'o' like 'oh'. Keep it short.
Nasalizing the 'om' too much; keep the 'o' pure.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a basic body part word.

Écriture 2/5

Requires remembering the silent 'h' and masculine 'o' ending.

Expression orale 2/5

Must ensure the 'h' remains silent and the 'r' is a tap.

Écoute 2/5

Can be confused with 'hombre' if the listener is not careful with the final vowel.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Cuerpo (body) Brazo (arm) Mano (hand) Cabeza (head) Dolor (pain)

Apprends ensuite

Espalda (back) Pecho (chest) Cuello (neck) Codo (elbow) Muñeca (wrist)

Avancé

Clavícula (collarbone) Omóplato (scapula) Articulación (joint) Ligamento (ligament) Tendinitis (tendonitis)

Grammaire à connaître

Definite articles with body parts

Me duele **el** hombro (Not 'mi' hombro).

Gender of nouns ending in -o

**El** hombro es masculino.

Silent 'H' in Spanish

La 'h' en **hombro** no se pronuncia.

Reflexive verbs for actions on the body

**Se** encogió de hombros.

Pluralization of nouns and adjectives

Los hombros **anchos**.

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Exemples par niveau

Me duele el hombro.

My shoulder hurts.

Uses the verb 'doler' which works like 'gustar'.

Tengo dos hombros.

I have two shoulders.

Basic use of 'tener' for body parts.

El hombro es una parte del cuerpo.

The shoulder is a part of the body.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

Llevo la bolsa en el hombro.

I carry the bag on my shoulder.

Use of the preposition 'en' for location.

Él tiene los hombros pequeños.

He has small shoulders.

Adjective agreement with plural noun.

Pon tu mano en mi hombro.

Put your hand on my shoulder.

Imperative form of the verb 'poner'.

Mi hombro derecho está bien.

My right shoulder is fine.

Use of 'derecho' as a masculine adjective.

La camisa es ancha de hombros.

The shirt is wide in the shoulders.

Preposition 'de' used for specification.

Ella se encogió de hombros porque no sabía la respuesta.

She shrugged her shoulders because she didn't know the answer.

Reflexive verb 'encogerse'.

El niño va sentado sobre los hombros de su padre.

The boy is sitting on his father's shoulders.

Preposition 'sobre' indicating position.

Me puse una crema en el hombro para el dolor.

I put some cream on my shoulder for the pain.

Reflexive 'ponerse' and 'en el hombro'.

Él tiene los hombros muy anchos por la natación.

He has very broad shoulders from swimming.

Causal 'por' followed by a noun.

No puedo levantar el hombro izquierdo.

I can't lift my left shoulder.

Modal verb 'poder' in negative form.

Lleva la mochila al hombro todos los días.

He carries the backpack on his shoulder every day.

Contraction 'a + el = al'.

Mis hombros están cansados después de trabajar.

My shoulders are tired after working.

Plural subject-verb-adjective agreement.

El médico examinó mi hombro lesionado.

The doctor examined my injured shoulder.

Past tense 'examinó' and adjective 'lesionado'.

Si necesitas ayuda, siempre tendrás mi hombro para apoyarte.

If you need help, you will always have my shoulder to lean on.

Figurative use of 'hombro' for support.

Debemos arrimar el hombro para terminar el trabajo a tiempo.

We must pitch in to finish the work on time.

Idiom 'arrimar el hombro'.

Me hice daño en el hombro jugando al tenis ayer.

I hurt my shoulder playing tennis yesterday.

Expression 'hacerse daño' + 'en'.

Ella siempre camina con los hombros rectos y mucha confianza.

She always walks with her shoulders straight and a lot of confidence.

Descriptive phrase using 'con los hombros'.

Es importante calentar los hombros antes de levantar pesas.

It is important to warm up your shoulders before lifting weights.

Infinitive 'calentar' as a subject.

Siento mucha tensión en los hombros por el estrés.

I feel a lot of tension in my shoulders because of stress.

Noun 'tensión' and causal 'por'.

El bolso se me resbala del hombro constantemente.

The bag keeps slipping off my shoulder.

Reflexive 'resbalarse' with accidental 'se'.

Él cargó al niño sobre sus hombros durante todo el desfile.

He carried the child on his shoulders during the whole parade.

Past tense 'cargó' and 'sobre sus hombros'.

No me gusta que me miren por encima del hombro.

I don't like being looked down upon.

Idiom 'mirar por encima del hombro' in subjunctive.

Trabajamos hombro con hombro para reconstruir el pueblo tras la inundación.

We worked shoulder to shoulder to rebuild the town after the flood.

Idiom 'hombro con hombro' for solidarity.

El cirujano operó el hombro del paciente para reparar el tendón.

The surgeon operated on the patient's shoulder to repair the tendon.

Direct object 'el hombro' with the verb 'operar'.

Lleva una pesada carga sobre sus hombros, tanto física como emocional.

He carries a heavy burden on his shoulders, both physical and emotional.

Metaphorical use of 'carga sobre los hombros'.

La fisioterapia es esencial para recuperar la movilidad del hombro.

Physical therapy is essential to regain shoulder mobility.

Abstract noun 'movilidad' followed by 'del hombro'.

Se dislocó el hombro al caerse en la pista de esquí.

He dislocated his shoulder when he fell on the ski slope.

Reflexive 'se dislocó' indicating an accident.

Esa chaqueta tiene unas hombreras que realzan la figura.

That jacket has shoulder pads that enhance the figure.

Noun 'hombreras' derived from 'hombro'.

Es un hombre con los hombros muy cargados de responsabilidades.

He is a man with shoulders heavily burdened with responsibilities.

Adjective 'cargados' modifying 'hombros'.

El peso de la corona recae sobre sus hombros.

The weight of the crown falls upon his shoulders.

Literary metaphor for leadership.

A pesar de las dificultades, se mantuvieron hombro con hombro en la lucha.

Despite the difficulties, they stood shoulder to shoulder in the struggle.

Use of 'mantenerse' to indicate state.

Su actitud de mirar por encima del hombro le ha granjeado muchos enemigos.

His attitude of looking down on others has earned him many enemies.

Complex sentence with 'granjearse'.

El dolor crónico de hombro puede ser síntoma de una mala postura cervical.

Chronic shoulder pain can be a symptom of poor cervical posture.

Technical description of pain.

Apoyó su cabeza en el hombro de su madre buscando consuelo.

She rested her head on her mother's shoulder seeking comfort.

Gerund 'buscando' expressing purpose.

El sastre insistió en que el hombro de la americana debía ser más estructurado.

The tailor insisted that the shoulder of the blazer should be more structured.

Subjunctive 'debía ser' after 'insistir'.

Encogerse de hombros ante la injusticia es una forma de complicidad.

Shrugging one's shoulders at injustice is a form of complicity.

Infinitive phrase used as a noun subject.

La estatua presentaba una leve inclinación en el hombro izquierdo.

The statue showed a slight slant in the left shoulder.

Precise descriptive vocabulary 'inclinación'.

La responsabilidad de salvaguardar el legado familiar descansa sobre sus hombros.

The responsibility of safeguarding the family legacy rests on his shoulders.

High-level register using 'salvaguardar'.

En la épica clásica, el héroe suele portar el destino de su pueblo sobre sus hombros.

In classical epics, the hero usually carries the destiny of his people on his shoulders.

Literary analysis register.

El desdén con el que miraba por encima del hombro a sus subordinados era insoportable.

The disdain with which he looked down on his subordinates was unbearable.

Use of 'desdén' and relative clause 'con el que'.

La biomecánica del hombro es sumamente compleja debido a su amplio rango de movimiento.

The biomechanics of the shoulder is extremely complex due to its wide range of motion.

Scientific register 'biomecánica' and 'sumamente'.

Arrimar el hombro en tiempos de penuria es el verdadero test de una sociedad civilizada.

Pitching in during times of hardship is the true test of a civilized society.

Philosophical statement using 'penuria'.

El poeta describió el hombro de la amada como una colina de mármol bajo la luna.

The poet described the beloved's shoulder as a marble hill under the moon.

Highly metaphorical and lyrical language.

La luxación recidivante de hombro requiere una intervención quirúrgica especializada.

Recurrent shoulder dislocation requires specialized surgical intervention.

Advanced medical terminology 'recidivante'.

No podemos encogernos de hombros ante el cambio climático si queremos un futuro.

We cannot shrug our shoulders at climate change if we want a future.

Rhetorical use of the idiom in a global context.

Collocations courantes

Hombros anchos

Encogerse de hombros

Dolor de hombro

Arrimar el hombro

Hombro con hombro

Al hombro

Hombros caídos

Lesión de hombro

Cargar al hombro

Tensión en los hombros

Phrases Courantes

De hombros para arriba

— Referring to the head and neck area. It is used in medical or cosmetic contexts.

El tratamiento es solo de hombros para arriba.

Estar hombro con hombro

— To be united in a cause or task. It implies strong solidarity.

Estamos hombro con hombro en este proyecto.

Llevar sobre los hombros

— To carry a responsibility or burden. It can be literal or figurative.

Lleva el peso de la empresa sobre los hombros.

Un hombro amigo

— A supportive friend who listens. Someone you can rely on.

Gracias por ser un hombro amigo cuando lo necesité.

Mirar sobre el hombro

— To look back over one's shoulder. Often done out of caution or curiosity.

Miró sobre el hombro para ver si lo seguían.

Hombros cuadrados

— Strong, well-defined shoulders. Often used in character descriptions.

Es un hombre de hombros cuadrados y mirada firme.

Tocar el hombro

— To tap someone on the shoulder to get their attention. A common physical gesture.

Le toqué el hombro para que se diera la vuelta.

Apoyar el hombro

— To lean one's shoulder against something. Often for physical support.

Apoyó el hombro en la pared mientras esperaba.

Hombros de gigante

— Standing on the work of predecessors. A metaphor for scientific or intellectual progress.

Vemos más lejos porque estamos sobre hombros de gigantes.

Sacudir los hombros

— To shake one's shoulders. Can be a sign of laughter or cold.

Sacudió los hombros al reírse de la broma.

Souvent confondu avec

hombro vs Hombre

Means 'man'. The only difference is the final vowel. 'Hombro' is shoulder; 'Hombre' is man.

hombro vs Hambre

Means 'hunger'. Different vowel in the middle. 'Hambre' is feminine (la hambre/mucha hambre), 'Hombro' is masculine.

hombro vs Lomo

Refers to the back of an animal or a cut of meat (loin), or the spine of a book. Not used for human shoulders.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Arrimar el hombro"

— To collaborate or help out with a difficult task. It implies active participation.

En esta familia todos arrimamos el hombro con las tareas.

Colloquial/General

"Mirar por encima del hombro"

— To treat someone with superiority or disdain. To look down on someone.

Desde que lo ascendieron, mira a todos por encima del hombro.

General

"Hombro con hombro"

— Working together in close cooperation and solidarity.

Los vecinos trabajaron hombro con hombro para limpiar el parque.

General

"Llorar en el hombro de alguien"

— To seek comfort from someone during a time of sadness or distress.

Vino a mi casa a llorar en mi hombro tras la ruptura.

Informal

"Poner el hombro"

— Similar to 'arrimar el hombro', to put in effort to support a cause.

Es momento de poner el hombro por el país.

General (Latin America)

"Cargar con el muerto al hombro"

— To take on a responsibility or problem that isn't yours. To bear a heavy burden.

No quiero cargar con ese muerto al hombro; el error fue suyo.

Colloquial

"Sacar el hombro"

— To evade a responsibility or avoid helping. To back out.

A la hora de la verdad, él siempre saca el hombro.

Colloquial (Regional)

"Hombros de acero"

— To have great physical or mental strength to endure hardships.

Tiene hombros de acero para aguantar tanta presión en el trabajo.

Informal

"Dar el hombro"

— To offer support or help to someone in need.

Siempre está dispuesto a dar el hombro a sus amigos.

General

"No llegarle al hombro"

— To be much less capable or important than someone else. To not compare.

Como pianista, él no le llega ni al hombro a su profesor.

Colloquial

Facile à confondre

hombro vs Espalda

Both are parts of the upper torso.

Hombro is the specific joint; espalda is the entire back surface.

Me duele la espalda, especialmente en el hombro izquierdo.

hombro vs Clavícula

It is a bone located in the shoulder area.

Clavícula is the specific bone (collarbone); hombro is the whole region.

Se rompió la clavícula, pero el hombro está bien.

hombro vs Hombrera

Sounds very similar to hombro.

Hombro is the body part; hombrera is the clothing accessory (shoulder pad).

Esa chaqueta tiene hombreras muy grandes en los hombros.

hombro vs Brazo

The shoulder is attached to the arm.

Brazo is the whole limb; hombro is just the connection point.

Mueve el brazo desde el hombro.

hombro vs Cuello

Located very close to the shoulders.

Cuello is the neck; hombro is the shoulder.

La tensión del cuello baja hasta los hombros.

Structures de phrases

Me duele el [parte del cuerpo].

Me duele el hombro.

[Sujeto] se encogió de hombros.

Juan se encogió de hombros.

Hay que arrimar el hombro para [verbo].

Hay que arrimar el hombro para limpiar la casa.

[Sujeto] mira a los demás por encima del hombro.

Ella mira a los demás por encima del hombro.

Llevar la carga de [sustantivo] sobre los hombros.

Lleva la carga de la familia sobre los hombros.

Trabajar hombro con hombro en pos de [meta].

Trabajamos hombro con hombro en pos de la justicia.

Llevar [objeto] al hombro.

Lleva la mochila al hombro.

Tener un hombro donde [verbo].

Tengo un hombro donde llorar.

Famille de mots

Noms

Hombrera (shoulder pad)

Hombro (shoulder)

Verbes

Hombreada (to push with the shoulder - regional)

Hombro (used as a root in some technical verbs)

Adjectifs

Hombreado (carried on the shoulder)

Apparenté

Brazo (arm)

Espalda (back)

Cuello (neck)

Clavícula (collarbone)

Axila (armpit)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely common in both literal and figurative speech.

Erreurs courantes

Me duele la hombro. → Me duele el hombro.
Hombro is masculine, so it must use the masculine article 'el'.
Él es un buen hombro. → Él es un buen hombre.
Confusing 'hombro' (shoulder) with 'hombre' (man).
Lavo mis hombros. → Me lavo los hombros.
Using possessive adjectives with body parts is unnatural in Spanish when using reflexive actions.
Él hizo el hombro frío. → Él me hizo el vacío.
Literal translation of the English idiom 'cold shoulder' does not work in Spanish.
Me duelen el hombro. → Me duele el hombro / Me duelen los hombros.
The verb 'doler' must agree in number with the subject (the shoulder).

Astuces

Avoid Possessives

In Spanish, we rarely use 'mi' or 'tu' with body parts if the owner is obvious. Say 'Me toqué el hombro' instead of 'Toqué mi hombro'.

The Silent H

Never pronounce the 'h'. It is purely orthographic. Start with the 'o' sound immediately to sound like a native.

Hombro vs. Hombre

Be very careful with the final vowel. 'Hombro' (shoulder) ends in 'o'. 'Hombre' (man) ends in 'e'. Mixing them up can lead to funny mistakes.

Arrimar el hombro

Use this phrase in work or group settings to sound more natural and show you value teamwork.

Hombro vs. Espalda

Remember that 'hombro' is the joint at the side/top, while 'espalda' is the whole back. Don't use them interchangeably.

Hombreras

If you are shopping, use 'hombreras' to ask about shoulder pads. It's a useful term for describing clothing fit.

Using Doler

The verb 'doler' agrees with the body part. 'Me duele el hombro' (singular) vs 'Me duelen los hombros' (plural).

Shrugging

The phrase 'encogerse de hombros' is the standard way to describe the gesture of shrugging in Spanish literature and speech.

Hombro amigo

This is a poetic and warm way to refer to a supportive friend. It's great for emotional conversations.

Al hombro

Use 'al hombro' specifically for carrying things like bags, rifles, or tools. It implies a specific way of carrying.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'HOMe' built on your 'BRO's' shoulder. HOM-BRO. It's where the arm finds its home.

Association visuelle

Picture a soldier carrying a heavy 'H' shaped beam on his shoulder. The 'H' reminds you of the silent letter in 'hombro'.

Word Web

Cuerpo Brazo Espalda Articulación Carga Apoyo Camisa Mochila

Défi

Try to describe three things you can carry on your 'hombro' using full Spanish sentences. Then, use the phrase 'encogerse de hombros' in a short dialogue.

Origine du mot

From the Latin word 'humerus', which also meant shoulder or upper arm bone.

Sens originel : The upper part of the arm and the joint connecting it to the body.

Romance (Latin origin).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that physical contact like touching a shoulder varies in appropriateness across different cultures and genders.

While English uses 'shoulder' similarly, Spanish uses it more frequently in the context of collective work (arrimar el hombro) compared to the more individualistic 'pitch in'.

The song 'Sobre mi hombro' (Various artists). Literary descriptions in 'Don Quijote' regarding armor and shoulders. The mythological figure of Atlas carrying the world (el mundo sobre sus hombros).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Doctor's Visit

Me duele el hombro.
No puedo mover el hombro.
Tengo el hombro inflamado.
¿Es grave la lesión de hombro?

At the Gym

Hoy toca entrenar hombros.
Mantén los hombros bajos.
Siento tensión en los hombros.
Este ejercicio es para el hombro.

Clothing Store

Me queda estrecho de hombros.
¿Tiene hombreras esta chaqueta?
La costura del hombro está mal.
Es un corte de hombros caídos.

Working Together

Hay que arrimar el hombro.
Trabajamos hombro con hombro.
Poner el hombro por el equipo.
Cargar con la tarea al hombro.

Emotional Support

Necesito un hombro donde llorar.
Puedes apoyarte en mi hombro.
Siempre estaré a tu hombro.
Me ofreció su hombro amigo.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Alguna vez te has lesionado el hombro haciendo deporte?"

"¿Crees que es importante arrimar el hombro en la comunidad?"

"¿Qué haces cuando sientes mucha tensión en los hombros?"

"¿Te gustan las chaquetas con hombreras grandes?"

"¿Has tenido que cargar algo muy pesado al hombro recientemente?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe un momento en el que tuviste que arrimar el hombro para ayudar a alguien.

Escribe sobre una vez que sentiste el peso del mundo sobre tus hombros.

¿Quién es tu 'hombro donde llorar' y por qué confías en esa persona?

Describe detalladamente cómo te sientes físicamente después de un día de mucho estrés en los hombros.

Imagina que eres un sastre; describe cómo ajustarías los hombros de un traje para un cliente importante.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Es un sustantivo masculino. Siempre se dice 'el hombro' o 'un hombro'. Por ejemplo: 'El hombro derecho es más fuerte'.

Se dice 'encogerse de hombros'. Es un verbo reflexivo. Ejemplo: 'Él se encogió de hombros porque no sabía la respuesta'.

Aunque se entiende, no es natural. Lo correcto es decir 'Me duele el hombro', usando el pronombre indirecto 'me' y el artículo 'el'.

Significa colaborar o ayudar en una tarea difícil. Es una expresión muy común para pedir cooperación en equipo.

El hombro es la región general y la articulación. El omóplato (o escápula) es el hueso específico de la parte posterior.

No, en español la 'h' es siempre muda. La palabra suena como 'ombro'.

Se dice 'hombreras'. Son comunes en chaquetas y trajes para dar estructura.

Significa tratar a alguien con desprecio o superioridad, como si esa persona fuera inferior a ti.

Se dice 'hombro con hombro'. Se usa para expresar solidaridad o trabajo conjunto muy estrecho.

Simplemente se añade una 's': 'los hombros'. Recuerda que los adjetivos también deben ser plurales: 'hombros anchos'.

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