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hombro

/OHM-broh/

shoulder

A close-up illustration of a child's body focusing on the shoulder joint, which connects the arm to the torso.

The hombro is the body part that connects your arm to your torso.

hombro(noun)

mA1

shoulder

?

The body part connecting the arm to the torso

📝 In Action

Me duele el hombro derecho después de cargar esas cajas.

A1

My right shoulder hurts after carrying those boxes.

Ella lleva su bolso colgado del hombro.

A2

She carries her bag hanging from her shoulder.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • espaldar (backrest (sometimes used metaphorically for support))

Common Collocations

  • encogerse de hombros – to shrug (literally: to shrink one's shoulders)
  • al hombro – on the shoulder (e.g., carrying a rifle)

Idioms & Expressions

  • mirar por encima del hombro – to look down on someone; to be condescending

💡 Grammar Points

Using Articles with Body Parts

In Spanish, you often use 'el' or 'la' (the definite article) instead of possessive words like 'mi' (my) when talking about body parts, especially when the action is clear. Example: 'Me duele el hombro' (My shoulder hurts).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Mi' Instead of 'El'

Mistake: "Mi hombro duele."

Correction: Me duele el hombro. (The structure 'Me duele...' is much more natural for pain, and Spanish usually omits the possessive here.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Shrugging in Spanish

The phrase 'encogerse de hombros' (to shrug) is essential for expressing indifference or 'I don't know.' It literally means 'to shrink one's shoulders.'

A small, determined person carrying a large, heavy wooden crate on their shoulder, symbolizing responsibility or burden.

Figuratively, hombro can refer to bearing a great responsibility or burden.

hombro(noun)

mB1

responsibility

?

Figurative: burden or duty

,

support

?

Figurative: emotional or physical help

📝 In Action

Tuve que cargar con el hombro de toda la organización.

B1

I had to bear the responsibility for the entire organization.

Siempre puedes contar con mi hombro para llorar.

B2

You can always count on my shoulder to cry on (for support).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Idioms & Expressions

  • echarse a los hombros – to take on a responsibility or burden
  • arrimar el hombro – to help out; to lend a hand

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

When 'hombro' is used figuratively, it usually appears in set phrases like 'cargar con el hombro' (to carry the burden) or 'prestar el hombro' (to offer support). These phrases treat the shoulder as a symbol of strength or aid.

⭐ Usage Tips

Offering Support

The expression 'prestar mi hombro' (to lend my shoulder) is a very natural and comforting way to offer emotional support to a friend, just like in English.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: hombro

Question 1 of 1

What is the best translation for the phrase 'Ella tiene hombros anchos'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

hombreada(shoulder barge/shove) - noun
hombrera(shoulder pad/epaulette) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'on my shoulder' in Spanish?

You typically use the preposition 'al' or 'sobre'. For example, 'Lleva la mochila al hombro' (He carries the backpack on his shoulder). If you mean emotional support, use the full phrase 'contar con mi hombro' (count on my shoulder).

Is 'hombro' feminine or masculine?

'Hombro' is masculine. Remember to use the masculine definite article: 'el hombro' (the shoulder) and 'los hombros' (the shoulders).