How to Say "muscle" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “muscle” is “músculo” — use 'músculo' when referring to a literal muscle in the body or for metaphorical financial or political power..
músculo
Examples
Me rompí un músculo de la pierna jugando al fútbol.
I tore a muscle in my leg playing soccer.
músculo
Examples
El nuevo CEO usó su músculo para impulsar el cambio.
The new CEO used his muscle to drive change.
fibra
/FEE-brah//ˈfi.βɾa/
Examples
Sus palabras tocaron una fibra sensible en mí.
His words touched a sensitive fiber in me.
Esa canción me tocó la fibra sensible.
That song touched a raw nerve (moved me emotionally).
El equipo mostró mucha fibra en el segundo tiempo.
The team showed a lot of grit in the second half.
Es un corredor con mucha fibra.
He is a runner with a lot of lean muscle.
Using 'Tocar'
When someone's emotions are affected, we use the verb 'tocar' (to touch) with 'la fibra' to show that an inner part of them was reached.
Singular vs. Plural
When talking about character, we use 'fibra' in the singular. When talking about physical muscles in a gym context, you might hear the plural 'fibras'.
Direct Translation
Mistake: “Saying 'él tiene fibra' to mean he is eating healthy.”
Correction: In this context, 'él tiene fibra' usually means he has a lean, muscular build or strong character.
Physical vs. Metaphorical Use
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