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

📅 Published: January 10, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

muleta

noun • /[moo-LE-ta]/

crutch

Example:

Necesita muletas para caminar.

He needs crutches to walk.

🧠 What does muleta mean?

A 'muleta' is a support, typically used in pairs, that fits under the armpit or around the forearm to help a person walk when they have an injury to a leg or foot. As a feminine noun, it is used with feminine articles like 'la' or 'una'. The plural form is 'las muletas'. The word also refers to the small red cape used by a matador in the final stage of a bullfight.

📚 Extra examples

  • Después de la cirugía de rodilla, necesitaré usar muletas por seis semanas.
    After the knee surgery, I will need to use crutches for six weeks.
  • El médico le enseñó a caminar correctamente con las muletas para no forzar la pierna.
    The doctor taught him how to walk correctly with the crutches so as not to strain his leg.
  • Aprender a subir escaleras con muletas puede ser un desafío al principio.
    Learning to go up stairs with crutches can be a challenge at first.
  • En la corrida de toros, el matador usó la muleta con gran habilidad.
    In the bullfight, the matador used the red cape with great skill.

💡 Did You Know?

The dual meaning of 'muleta' is quite distinct. In a medical context, it is a tool for support and healing. In the context of bullfighting (tauromaquia), it is the red cape used by the matador in the final act, known as the 'tercio de muerte', to provoke and guide the bull's charges. This cape is draped over a wooden stick, also called an 'estaquillador'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "muleta"

Synonyms: apoyo, soporte, sostén

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'crutch' in Spanish?
The most common and standard word for 'crutch' in Spanish is 'muleta'.
How do you pronounce 'muleta' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is moo-LEH-tah, with the stress on the second syllable, '-le-'.
How do you use 'muleta' in a sentence?
An example is: 'Se rompió el tobillo y ahora anda con muletas.' (He broke his ankle and now he walks with crutches.)
What is the English translation of 'muleta'?
The primary English translation of 'muleta' is 'crutch'. It can also refer to the 'red cape' used in bullfighting.
Does 'muleta' change for gender or number?
'Muleta' is a feminine noun. Its singular form is 'la muleta' and its plural form is 'las muletas'. It does not change for gender.
Is 'muleta' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'muleta' is the standard and very common term for a medical crutch used in all Spanish-speaking regions.
Does 'muleta' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, it has a significant second meaning. Besides a medical crutch, a 'muleta' is the small red cape attached to a stick that a bullfighter (matador) uses during the final part of a bullfight.
Is 'muleta' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the term 'muleta' for a medical crutch is used consistently across Spain and Latin America. The bullfighting meaning is also universally understood, although the cultural practice varies in popularity.

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