herradura
/ˌeraˈduɾa/feminine
The English word horseshoe is translated into Spanish as herradura. If unsure, use herradura. Wiktionary also lists herraje and ferradura (disused).
Meaning: metallic shoe of a horse (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| herradura | /ˌeraˈduɾa/ | feminine |
| herraje | /eˈraxe/ | masculine |
| ferradura (disused) | feminine |
The word refers to the metallic shoe of a horse. A farrier is called a herrador and the action of applying horseshoes to a horse is the verb herrar.
Which one should you use?
While herradura refers specifically to the horseshoe itself, the masculine form herraje refers more broadly to metal fittings or ironwork, which can include horseshoes but also other metal hardware.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of herradura is herraduras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌeraˈduɾa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, hanging a herradura with the ends pointing up is a common way to ensure that good fortune does not 'pour out' of it.
- The word herradura shares its DNA with the English word 'iron' via the Latin root 'ferrum', which is also the ancestor of the English word 'ferrous'.
- The word hierro (iron), which forms the heart of herradura, is also used in Spanish to describe someone with a very strong or rigid character.
Examples in context
- Esta es una herradura hecha imán.This is a horseshoe magnet.This sentence is useful for describing a horseshoe magnet using herradura.Tatoeba #1386454 by marcelostockle, translation #681411 by Source_VOA
- Una herradura y un gato negro no son señales de buena suerte.A horseshoe and a black cat are not good luck signs.This sentence uses herradura to discuss signs of good luck.Tatoeba #2869179 by cueyayotl, translation #882997 by shekitten
- ¿A qué se debe que la herradura se considere un amuleto que trae buena suerte?How did the horseshoe come to be considered an amulet that brought good luck?This sentence uses herradura in a question about why it is considered an amulet that brings good luck.Tatoeba #13573143 by Seael, translation #13603905 by rul
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are working at a stable.
- Mateo¿Viste la herradura que se cayó?Did you see the horseshoe that fell off?
- SofíaNo, pero buscaré la herradura ahora mismo.No, but I will look for the horseshoe right now.
- MateoTen cuidado, Sofía, puede estar bajo el caballo.Be careful, Sofía, it might be under the horse.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo, iré con mucho cuidado.Thanks, Mateo, I will go very carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horseshoe” translations and entries herradura, herraje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries herradura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
