The word "mejilla" refers to the fleshy, rounded part of the face located below the eyes and to the sides of the mouth. It is frequently used in both general and medical contexts, where it can refer to both the anatomical aspect and its various functions, such as facial expressions and mastication.
In everyday conversation, "mejilla" is usually mentioned in contexts of beauty, health, or emotion. The term is relatively common and can be used in both oral and written forms, though it tends to appear slightly more frequently in oral communication, especially in everyday discussions about appearance or health.
The girl blushed on her cheeks.
El dentista le revisó las mejillas durante la consulta.
The dentist checked his cheeks during the consultation.
Ella tiene unas mejillas muy suaves y sonrosadas.
While "mejilla" is not an abundant source of idiomatic expressions, it does appear in a couple of notable phrases that reflect cultural meanings, especially related to emotions and actions.
When they insulted me, I decided to turn the other cheek instead of fighting.
Tener mejillas de cerdo
The term "mejilla" derives from the palabra "meja," which is believed to have roots in Latin. The Latin word "mala" means "jaw" or "cheek," and over time evolved into the Spanish "mejilla."
Carrillo (another term for cheek, though more common in some places)
Antonyms:
This comprehensive overview of "mejilla" highlights its various uses in Spanish and provides insights into the cultural and linguistic nuances surrounding the term.