cabestrillo
/kabesˈtɾiʝo/
The English phrase "arm sling" is translated into Spanish as cabestrillo.
The term cabestrillo is used specifically to refer to the medical device used to support an injured limb.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Spain, individuals may use the term cabestrillo ortopédico to refer to an orthopedic arm sling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is created by adding -s to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
/kabesˈtɾiʝo/
Did you know?
- The word cabestrillo is built upon the root word cabestro, which refers to a piece of rope or a strap used to control a horse.
- While cabestrillo refers to the sling, the Spanish word for a medical cast is yeso, which literally means 'gypsum' or 'plaster'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people may informally use the word cabestrillo to describe any makeshift strap used to carry a heavy object, even if it is not for a medical purpose.
Examples in context
- Necesito un cabestrillo para el brazo, por favor.I need an arm sling, please.
- El médico me recomendó usar un cabestrillo ortopédico para proteger mi brazo.The doctor recommended I use an orthopedic arm sling to protect my arm.
- Necesito un cabestrillo para mi brazo.I need an arm sling for my arm.
- El médico me puso un cabestrillo.The doctor put a sling on me.
- No puedo usar el cabestrillo hoy.I cannot use the arm sling today.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are at a pharmacy.
- Sofía¿Tienen un cabestrillo para un brazo roto?Do you have an arm sling for a broken arm?
- MateoSí, tenemos este cabestrillo azul.Yes, we have this blue sling.
- SofíaPerfecto, Mateo, llévatelo a la caja.Perfect, Mateo, take it to the register.
- MateoDe acuerdo, lo voy a comprar ahora.Okay, I am going to buy it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cabestrillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabestrillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
