Lael logo

costilla means rib — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 16, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

costilla

noun • /[kos-TEE-ya]/

rib

Example:

Se lastimó una costilla.

He injured a rib.

🧠 What does costilla mean?

The term 'costilla' refers to one of the curved bones that form the rib cage, protecting the chest cavity. In a medical context, it is fundamental for anatomical descriptions, diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays or CT scans), and discussions related to injuries or surgical procedures affecting the thorax. It is a singular noun, and its plural form is 'costillas'.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente sufrió una fractura de costilla tras la caída.
    The patient suffered a rib fracture after the fall.
  • El cirujano examinó la zona afectada en busca de daños en las costillas.
    The surgeon examined the affected area for damage to the ribs.
  • La radiografía mostró una fisura en la décima costilla.
    The X-ray showed a crack in the tenth rib.
  • El dolor se localizaba en el costado, cerca de las costillas inferiores.
    The pain was located in the side, near the lower ribs.

💡 Did You Know?

The human body typically has 12 pairs of ribs, though variations can occur. The term 'costilla flotante' refers to the last two ribs which do not attach to the sternum, providing greater flexibility to the lower torso.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "costilla"

Synonyms: arco costal, hueso de las costillas

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'rib' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'rib' is 'costilla'.
How do you pronounce 'costilla' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'costilla' is koh-STEE-yah. The 'll' sound in Spanish is similar to the 'y' in 'yes' or the 'j' in 'jump' for some English speakers, depending on the regional accent.
How do you use 'costilla' in a sentence?
'Costilla' is used to refer to a rib bone. For example, 'Me duele una costilla' means 'My rib hurts.' In a medical context, it might be used like 'La tomografía reveló una anomalía en la costilla flotante' (The CT scan revealed an anomaly in the floating rib).
What is the English translation of 'costilla'?
The English translation of 'costilla' is 'rib'.
Does 'costilla' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'costilla' is a feminine noun. Its singular form is 'costilla' (rib), and its plural form is 'costillas' (ribs).
Is 'costilla' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'costilla' is a common word used in everyday Spanish when referring to the anatomy of the body, particularly in contexts related to pain or injury in the chest area.
Does 'costilla' have slang or double meanings?
While 'costilla' primarily means 'rib,' it can also be used colloquially to refer to a cut of meat, such as 'costillas de cerdo' (pork ribs). However, in a medical context, its meaning is strictly anatomical.
Is 'costilla' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning of 'costilla' as 'rib' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might exist in its culinary uses, but anatomically, it refers to the same bone.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store