mueca
/ˈmweka/feminine
The English word "grimace" can be translated into Spanish as mueca or mohín.
Meaning: a distortion of the face (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mueca | /ˈmweka/ | feminine |
| mohín | /moin/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Both terms refer to a distortion of the face. To express the action of making grimaces or funny faces, the most common phrase used is hacer muecas.
Which one should you use?
While mueca is a general term for any facial distortion, mohín often implies a pout or a look of annoyance and displeasure.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The verb muequear is a colloquial and informal way to say someone is making faces or grimacing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the phrase hacer una cara de asco is used to express a grimace, specifically one that looks like a disgusted face.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Mueca is a feminine noun. Its plural form is muecas. Mohín is a masculine noun. Its plural form is mohines.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmweka/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word mueca is an ancient relative of the English word 'mock'. Both stem from a root that imitated the sound or appearance of laughter.
- In Spanish, the word mueca is used to describe the distorted facial expressions found on traditional masks used in folk festivals, such as the 'caretas' of certain regional carnivals.
- While mueca is used globally, the word mohín is much more common in Spain than in the Americas, where it may be rarely heard.
Examples in context
- Cuando le contó la noticia, él hizo una mueca de ascoWhen he told him the news, he grimaced in disgust
- Ana hizo una mueca al probar el plato, no le gustó su saborAna grimaced when tasting the dish, she didn't like its flavor
- El niño torció el gesto cuando le ofrecieron las verdurasThe child made a grimacing face when offered vegetables
- Hizo una mueca de dolor.He made a grimace of pain.
- Su mueca de disgusto me asustó.His grimace of disgust scared me.
- Ella tiene una mueca muy graciosa.She has a very funny grimace.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are tasting a new dish.
- MaríaPrueba esto, Alejandro.Taste this, Alejandro.
- AlejandroUf, está muy amargo.Ugh, it's very bitter.
- María¡Vaya mueca has puesto!What a grimace you've made!
- AlejandroEs que el sabor es horrible.It's just that the flavor is horrible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grimace” translations and entries mueca, mohín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mohín, mueca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
