tobillera
/tobiˈʝeɾa/
The Spanish phrase for 'ankle brace' is tobillera.
An ankle brace is a supportive device worn around the ankle to prevent injury or provide stability. You can use tobillera to refer to this device, or use the synonym soporte para el tobillo to mean 'ankle support'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tobillera is derived from tobillo (ankle) combined with the suffix -era, which functions as a diminutive or instrumental suffix.
Which one should you use?
You may encounter férula de tobillo in formal contexts or soporte para el tobillo as a synonym.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you might hear protector de tobillo used for 'ankle brace'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Tobillera is a feminine noun, so it must be preceded by feminine articles such as la or una. The plural form of tobillera is tobilleras.
How do you pronounce it?
/tobiˈʝeɾa/
Did you know?
- Beyond medical uses, the word tobillera is used to describe an electronic monitoring anklet worn by criminals under house arrest.
- In Spanish, the word for ankle, tobillo, is derived from the word for a small plug or a 'stopper' used in barrels.
- In a fashion context, tobillera can refer to a specific style of shoe with a strap around the ankle or a piece of jewelry called an anklet.
Examples in context
- El médico recomendó el uso de una férula de tobillo para ayudar con la recuperación.The doctor recommended the use of an ankle brace to aid with the recovery.
- Me torcí el tobillo jugando fútbol y ahora tengo que usar una tobillera para evitar lesiones adicionales.I twisted my ankle playing soccer, and now I have to use an ankle brace to prevent further injuries.
- ¿Tienes una férula para proteger el tobillo?Do you have a brace to protect the ankle?
- Necesito una tobillera nueva para correr.I need a new ankle brace for running.
- La tobillera me ayuda con el dolor.The ankle brace helps me with the pain.
- Compré una tobillera elástica en la farmacia.I bought an elastic ankle brace at the pharmacy.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at a sports clinic.
- MateoMe duele mucho el pie derecho.My right foot hurts a lot.
- MaríaDeberías ponerte una tobillera para caminar.You should put on an ankle brace to walk.
- Mateo¿Me puede ayudar a ponérmela, María?Can you help me put it on, María?
- MaríaSí, Mateo, yo te ayudo ahora.Yes, Mateo, I will help you now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tobillera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
