costillas
/kos-TEE-yas/
ribs
Costillas refers to the ribs, the bones that form the protective cage around the chest.
📝 In Action
El doctor dijo que solo tengo una costilla fisurada, no rota.
B1The doctor said I only have a cracked rib, not a broken one.
Las costillas protegen los órganos vitales como el corazón y los pulmones.
A2The ribs protect vital organs like the heart and the lungs.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural in English
When referring to the bones, 'costillas' is always plural in Spanish, just like 'ribs' is in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong article
Mistake: "Me duelen los costillas."
Correction: Me duelen las costillas. (Remember: 'costilla' is a feminine noun, so use 'las' or 'la'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using Reflexive Verbs for Injuries
Spanish often uses reflexive verbs (like 'me rompí') when talking about accidentally injuring your own body parts, instead of just 'I broke.'
Costillas also refers to ribs as a food item, often served barbecued or roasted.
📝 In Action
Pedimos unas costillas de cerdo con salsa barbacoa.
A2We ordered some pork ribs with barbecue sauce.
Estas costillas a la parrilla están tan tiernas que se caen del hueso.
B1These grilled ribs are so tender they fall off the bone.
💡 Grammar Points
Specifying the Meat
Always add the type of animal to be clear: 'costillas de cerdo' (pork ribs) or 'costillas de res' (beef ribs).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: costillas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'costillas' to refer to food?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'costilla' always feminine?
Yes, 'costilla' is a feminine noun, so you always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'una costilla rota,' 'las costillas grandes').
What is the difference between 'costillas' and 'costado'?
'Costillas' are the actual bones (ribs). 'Costado' means the general 'side' of the body or an object, referring to the area, not the specific bones.