mula (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "mula" is a feminine noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

The phonetic transcription of "mula" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ˈmule/.

Translation Options into English

The word "mula" can be translated into English as: - mule (the animal) - a slang term referring to someone who is an accomplice in drug trafficking (in some contexts, especially in Latin America).

Meaning and Usage

The primary meaning of "mula" refers to a hybrid animal, specifically the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. It is commonly used in various Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Honduras, Colombia, and Costa Rica.

In colloquial contexts, particularly in the realm of drug trafficking, "mula" is used to denote a person (often unwitting) who smuggles drugs, usually by carrying them internally or hidden on their person. This usage arises from the metaphorical idea of someone bearing a heavy load, akin to how mules carry burdens.

The frequency of usage may vary, with the animal meaning often appearing in written texts and the slang meaning being more common in oral speech, especially in conversations related to crime or drug-related activities.

Example Sentences

1. Mula: "La mula es un animal fuerte y resistente que se utiliza para transportar cargas en terrenos difíciles."

2. "The mule is a strong and resilient animal used to transport loads in difficult terrain."

3. Mula: "La policía detuvo a una mula que estaba tratando de pasar drogas a la frontera."

4. "The police arrested a mule who was trying to smuggle drugs across the border."

5. Mula: "La niña soñaba con montar una mula en la montaña."

6. "The girl dreamed of riding a mule in the mountains."

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "mula" appears in several idiomatic expressions within Spanish that often convey negative or derogatory connotations, especially in criminal contexts.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. "Ser una mula":
2. "Esa chica es una mula; siempre lleva cosas de otras personas sin saber lo que son."

3. "That girl is a mule; she always carries things for other people without knowing what they are."

4. "Mula de carga":

5. "En la construcción, él es la mula de carga; lleva todo el material pesado."

6. "In construction, he is the pack mule; he carries all of the heavy material."

7. "Mula de drogas":

8. "El fiscal está detrás de varias mulas de drogas que operan en la ciudad."

9. "The prosecutor is after several drug mules operating in the city."

10. "Tener una mula":

11. "No quiero tener una mula en mi grupo; necesitamos personas honestas."

12. "I don’t want to have a mule in my group; we need honest people."

13. "Mula sin riendas":

14. "Esa estrategia es como una mula sin riendas; no tiene control."
15. "That strategy is like a mule without reins; it has no control."

Etymology

The word "mula" comes from the Latin word "mŭla," which also means "mule." This term has retained a similar form and meaning throughout its evolution into modern Spanish.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Burro (donkey) - though not a direct synonym, it's related as both are in the equine family.
• Arrastrar (to drag) - in a metaphorical sense when referring to a person carrying burdens (not a direct synonym, but a related concept).

Antonyms

• Caballo (horse) - since it's a related equine animal but typically denotes a higher status in terms of ability and strength compared to a mule.