rodillas

roh-DEE-yas/roˈði.ʝas/

“rodillas” means “knees” in Spanish (body part).

knees

Also: lap

NounfA1

A close-up illustration of two bent human legs, highlighting the knees.

📝 In Action

Me golpeé las rodillas jugando al fútbol.

I hit my knees playing soccer.

El bebé se sentó en las rodillas de su madre.

The baby sat on his mother's lap.

Se puso de rodillas para pedir perdón.

He got down on his knees to ask for forgiveness.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

ponerse de rodillas – to kneel down
dolor de rodillas – knee pain

Idioms & Expressions

estar de rodillas – to be subservient or submissive (figurative)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "rodillas" in Spanish:

knees→lap→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: rodillas

Question 1 of 1

Which phrase correctly means 'He knelt down'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

rodilla(knee (singular)) — Noun

arrodillarse(to kneel) — Verb

rodillazo(a blow or hit with the knee) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

sillas pastillas

📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Latin term *rotella*, which literally meant 'little wheel' or 'small round thing.' This name was given because the kneecap (the bone on the knee) is round and resembles a small wheel.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: rótulaFrench: rotule

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'My knee hurts' in Spanish?

You should use the singular form: 'Me duele la rodilla.' Remember that Spanish often uses a construction that means 'The knee hurts me,' rather than 'My knee hurts.'