mejilla

meh-HEE-yah/meˈxiʝa/

“mejilla” means “cheek” in Spanish (the soft part of the face below the eye).

cheek

NounfA2

Latin America

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

📝 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.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "mejilla" in Spanish:

cheek→

✏️ 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

🎵 Rhymes▼

rodillasilla amarilla

📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'maxilla,' which actually referred to the jawbone. Over time, the meaning shifted to the fleshy area covering the jaw.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: maxillaPortuguese: mejilla

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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.