músculos
/MOOS-koo-lohs/
muscles
Músculos, in its literal sense, refers to the muscles in the body, like a strong bicep.
📝 In Action
Necesitas hacer ejercicio para fortalecer tus músculos.
A1You need to exercise to strengthen your muscles.
Me duelen los músculos de las piernas después de correr.
A2My leg muscles hurt after running.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Remember that 'músculos' is the plural of a masculine word ('el músculo'), so you must use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'los músculos fuertes').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong article
Mistake: "La músculos son grandes."
Correction: Los músculos son grandes. (Since 'músculo' is masculine, the plural article must be 'los'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to specific muscles
You can use 'músculos' generally, but native speakers often use specific names like 'bíceps' (biceps) or 'abdominales' (abs) when talking about fitness.
Figuratively, músculos can mean influence or 'clout,' the power to affect decisions.
📝 In Action
El banco demostró sus músculos financieros en la adquisición.
B2The bank showed its financial muscle (power) in the acquisition.
Necesitamos usar nuestros músculos políticos para aprobar esta ley.
C1We need to use our political influence to pass this law.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Plural
In this metaphorical sense, 'músculos' is often used in the plural, even when referring to a single entity's collective power (like a company or a government).
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Describe It
This meaning almost always requires an adjective to clarify what kind of 'muscle' you are talking about: 'músculos políticos,' 'músculos empresariales' (business muscle).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: músculos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'músculos' in its figurative sense of 'power' or 'influence'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la forma singular de 'músculos'?
The singular form is 'músculo' (el músculo). Remember to use the masculine article 'el' with it.
Does 'músculos' ever refer to intelligence or mental strength?
Not usually. When referring to mental ability, Spanish uses words like 'capacidad' (capacity) or 'inteligencia.' 'Músculos' almost always relates to physical or economic/political power.