tornozelo
/toʁ.noˈze.lu/masculine
The English word "ankle" is translated into Portuguese as tornozelo.
The word tornozelo refers to the joint located between the foot and the leg.
Meaning: joint between foot and leg (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of tornozelo is tornozelos. In terms of gender, tornozelo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /toʁ.noˈze.lu/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The suffix -celo in tornozelo is a rare remnant of a substrate language that predates the dominance of Latin in the region.
- In Portuguese, the word torcer is used both for 'twisting' an object and for 'spraining' a tornozelo.
- While tornozelo is the anatomical term, Portuguese speakers often use the word pé ('foot') to describe ankle injuries in casual conversation.
Examples in context
- Eu torci o tornozelo.I twisted my ankle.This sentence is useful for describing how to say "I twisted my ankle."Tatoeba #2149334 by alexmarcelo, translation #1110536 by Scott
- Ele torceu o tornozelo.He sprained his ankle.This sentence is useful for describing how to say "He sprained his ankle."Tatoeba #5397888 by bill, translation #301016 by CK
- Você torceu o tornozelo.You sprained your ankle.This sentence is useful for describing how to say "You sprained your ankle."Tatoeba #5302443 by bill, translation #3331112 by CK
- Eu torci meu tornozelo jogando futebol.I sprained my ankle while playing soccer.
- Tenha cuidado para não torcer o tornozelo naquela superfície irregular.Be careful not to twist your ankle on that uneven surface.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are at a park after a walk.
- BeatrizFelipe, você está bem?Felipe, are you okay?
- FelipeSenti uma dor no tornozelo.I felt a pain in my ankle.
- BeatrizO seu tornozelo está inchado?Is your ankle swollen?
- FelipeNão, mas está um pouco dolorido.No, but it is a bit sore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ankle” translations and entries tornozelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tornozelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
