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

📅 Published: March 6, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

hueso

noun • /[WE-so]/

bone

Example:

Se rompió un hueso jugando fútbol.

He broke a bone playing soccer.

🧠 What does hueso mean?

A bone is a rigid organ that forms part of the skeleton in many vertebrate animals. Bones protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells, store minerals, provide structure and support for the body, and enable mobility. The Spanish word 'hueso' refers to this anatomical structure. In a medical context, it is crucial for understanding anatomy, physiology, and diagnosing and treating skeletal conditions.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente sufrió una fractura en el hueso de la pierna.
    The patient suffered a fracture in the leg bone.
  • El radiólogo examinó las imágenes del hueso para detectar anomalías.
    The radiologist examined the bone images for anomalies.
  • La osteoporosis debilita la estructura del hueso.
    Osteoporosis weakens the bone structure.
  • Se necesita una cirugía para reparar el hueso dañado.
    Surgery is needed to repair the damaged bone.
  • El estudio de anatomía detalla la forma y función de cada hueso.
    The anatomy study details the shape and function of each bone.

💡 Did You Know?

The human body typically has 206 bones, but this number can vary slightly between individuals, especially at birth when some bones are not yet fused.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "hueso"

Synonyms: esqueleto (skeleton - refers to the entire structure), cuerpo óseo (bony body - more technical)
Opposites: músculo (muscle), tejido blando (soft tissue)

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'bone' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'bone' is 'hueso'.
How do you pronounce 'hueso' in Spanish?
'Hueso' is pronounced 'WEH-soh'. The 'h' is silent, and the 'ue' is a diphthong similar to the 'we' in 'wet'.
How do you use 'hueso' in a sentence?
'Hueso' is used to refer to the skeletal structures in the body. For example, 'Tengo un dolor en el hueso del tobillo' (I have a pain in my ankle bone).
What is the English translation of 'hueso'?
The English translation of 'hueso' is 'bone'.
Does 'hueso' change for gender or number?
'Hueso' is a masculine noun. It changes for number: 'hueso' (singular) and 'huesos' (plural).
Is 'hueso' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'hueso' is a common word used in everyday conversation, especially when referring to injuries, food (like bones in meat), or anatomy.
Does 'hueso' have slang or double meanings?
In some contexts, 'hueso' can be used informally to refer to something that is difficult or tricky to deal with ('un hueso duro de roer' - a tough nut to crack). It can also be used to refer to the pit of a fruit.
Is 'hueso' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning of 'hueso' as 'bone' is the same throughout Spanish-speaking countries. Regional differences might appear in its use for slang or specific colloquial expressions.

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