hueso
/ˈw̝eso/masculine
The English word 'bone' is hueso in Spanish.
The term hueso refers to a component of a skeleton. If you need to describe something shaped like a bone, you can use the adjective osiforme. In certain slang contexts, related verbal phrases like joder con, follar con or coger con are used to mean having sexual intercourse.
Meaning: component of a skeleton (noun)
Which one should you use?
While hueso is the standard term for a single bone, the plural form is huesos. For a more affectionate or endearing tone, you can use the diminutive huesito. In technical or academic discussions, the word osamenta is used to refer to a skeleton.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
hueso is a masculine noun. The plural form is huesos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈw̝eso/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the word hueso is used colloquially to refer to a difficult or tedious task that no one wants to perform.
- In Spanish politics, a hueso refers to a coveted government post or appointment. This comes from the image of a dog fighting to keep a bone.
Examples in context
- Ella es piel y hueso.She is all skin and bone.This sentence uses hueso to describe someone who is very thin.Tatoeba #1304465 by hayastan, translation #310687 by CK
- Tom le dio un hueso a su perro.Tom gave a bone to his dog.This sentence uses hueso to describe an object given to a dog.Tatoeba #10029020 by Shishir, translation #3426100 by CK
- ¿Alguna vez te has roto un hueso?Have you ever broken a bone?This sentence uses hueso in the context of an injury.Tatoeba #2138210 by Shishir, translation #953291 by CK
- El hueso está protegido por los músculos.The bone is protected by the muscles.
- Visto que te lastimaste, necesitas descansar ese huesito.Since you injured yourself, you need to rest that little bone.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are looking at an X-ray in a doctor's office.
- ElenaMira, aquí está el hueso roto.Look, here is the broken bone.
- JavierParece que el hueso está muy mal.It looks like the bone is in bad shape.
- ElenaSí, Javier, necesitas un yeso.Yes, Javier, you need a cast.
- JavierEspero que el hueso sane rápido.I hope the bone heals quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bone” translations and entries hueso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hueso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
