Inklingo
← Dictionary

muleta

moo-LEH-tah/muˈleta/

crutch

Also: prop
NounfA2
A single wooden crutch leaning against a light blue wall.

📝 In Action

Después de la cirugía, tuve que caminar con muletas por un mes.

A2

After the surgery, I had to walk with crutches for a month.

Se apoyó en su amigo como si fuera una muleta.

B1

He leaned on his friend as if he were a crutch.

La enfermera me enseñó cómo ajustar la altura de la muleta.

B1

The nurse showed me how to adjust the height of the crutch.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • apoyo (support)
  • sostén (support/prop)

Common Collocations

  • ir con muletas – to be on crutches
  • usar muletas – to use crutches
  • muleta ortopédica – orthopedic crutch

Idioms & Expressions

  • servir de muleta – to provide temporary support to someone who is struggling

bullfighter's cape

NounfB2
A vibrant red cloth draped over a short wooden stick, resting on a sandy ground.

📝 In Action

El torero movió la muleta para atraer al toro.

B2

The bullfighter moved the cape to attract the bull.

La muleta es roja y está sujeta a un palo de madera.

B2

The cape is red and is attached to a wooden stick.

Al final de la faena, el matador usa la muleta y el estoque.

C1

At the end of the task, the matador uses the cape and the sword.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • capote (cape (usually the larger pink and yellow one))

Common Collocations

  • pase de muleta – a pass with the bullfighting cape

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "muleta" in Spanish:

bullfighter's cape→crutch→prop→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: muleta

Question 1 of 3

If you break your leg in Spain, what will the doctor likely give you?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
muletilla(filler word (literally 'little crutch')) — Noun
muletazo(a stroke or movement with a bullfighting cape) — Noun
amuletar(to support or prop up) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the word 'mula' (mule). It likely refers to a small support or stick used to drive mules, which eventually came to mean a support for people.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: béquille (though 'mule' related words exist for supports)Portuguese: muleta

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I use 'muleta' for a cane?

No. For a walking cane, you should use the word 'bastón'. 'Muleta' specifically refers to the type of support that goes under your arm or around your forearm.

How do I say 'I am on crutches'?

You say 'Estoy en muletas' or 'Ando con muletas'.

Is 'muleta' used differently in Latin America?

Generally, no. It is the standard word for crutch across the Spanish-speaking world.