A close-up of a smiling child's face focusing on a soft, rosy cheek.

mejilla

meh-HEE-yah

nounfA2

cheek?the soft part of the face below the eye

📝 In Action

El niño tiene las mejillas muy rojas.

The boy has very red cheeks.

Ella le dio un beso en la mejilla antes de irse.

She gave him a kiss on the cheek before leaving.

Las lágrimas rodaban por su mejilla.

Tears were rolling down her cheek.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cachete (cheek (more informal and common in Latin America))

Common Collocations

poner la otra mejilla – to turn the other cheek
mejillas sonrosadas – rosy cheeks

Idioms & Expressions

poner la otra mejilla – To accept a bad situation or insult without getting angry or seeking revenge.

💡 Grammar Points

Gender of Body Parts

This is a feminine word. Use 'la' for one cheek ('la mejilla') and 'las' for both ('las mejillas').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mejilla vs. Mentón

Mistake: "Confusing 'mejilla' with 'mentón'."

Correction: Use 'mejilla' for the sides of your face and 'mentón' or 'barbilla' for your chin.

⭐ Usage Tips

Social Greeting

In many Spanish-speaking countries, people greet each other with a 'beso en la mejilla' (kiss on the cheek), even if they just met!

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: mejilla

Question 1 of 1

If someone is blushing, which part of their face changes color most noticeably?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

mejillón(mussel (the shellfish, named for its cheek-like shape)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'mejilla' formal?

It is neutral and polite. You can use it in books, news, or conversation. In very casual talk, especially in Mexico or Colombia, you might hear 'cachete' instead.

Does it have a special plural form?

No, just add an 's': las mejillas.