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

rodillas

roh-DEE-yas

nounfA1

knees?body part

Also:lap?when referring to the area above the knees while sitting, though 'regazo' is more common

📝 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)

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Form Only

Although the singular is 'rodilla' (knee), the plural 'rodillas' is used very frequently, especially when talking about both knees.

Using Articles with Body Parts

In Spanish, you often use 'el,' 'la,' 'los,' or 'las' (the definite articles) instead of 'mi' or 'tu' (possessive words) when talking about body parts, like 'Me duelen las rodillas' (My knees hurt).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gender

Mistake: "El rodillas"

Correction: Las rodillas. Remember that 'rodilla' is a feminine noun, so it always uses 'la' or 'las'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Movement Phrases

A very common phrase is 'de rodillas,' which means 'on your knees.' Use it when describing the act of kneeling: 'Estoy de rodillas' (I am kneeling).

✏️ 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

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.'