herradura
/ˌeraˈduɾa/
A horseshoe in Spanish is herradura.
The term refers to a U-shaped piece of metal that is nailed to a horse's hoof to protect it from wear.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is herradura and the plural form is herraduras. Related verbs include herrar, which means to shoe a horse.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌeraˈduɾa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term herradura is also used in architecture to describe a arco de herradura, or horseshoe arch, which is a signature element of Moorish design in Spain.
- The word herradura shares its DNA with the English word 'iron', both tracing back to the Latin root 'ferrum'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, hanging a herradura above a door is believed to bring good luck. To ensure the luck does not escape, the shoe must be hung with the open end facing upwards.
Examples in context
- El caballo necesita una herradura nueva.The horse needs a new horseshoe.
- Se le cayó una herradura en el camino.A horseshoe fell off on the path.
- La herradura de hierro es muy resistente.The iron horseshoe is very strong.
Example conversation
A stable where a vet is checking a horse.
- ElenaJavier, ¿has visto la herradura del caballo?Javier, have you seen the horse's horseshoe?
- JavierNo, Elena, ¿está rota?No, Elena, is it broken?
- ElenaSí, parece que se ha salido.Yes, it looks like it came off.
- JavierVoy a buscar las herramientas ahora mismo.I will look for the tools right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry herradura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries herradura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
