empeine
/emˈpeine/
The English phrase instep is translated into Spanish as empeine.
The word empeine refers to the top of the foot between the toes and the ankle.
Meaning: top of the foot between the toes and the ankle (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/emˈpeine/
Did you know?
- The word empeine is metaphorically related to a 'comb' because the ridges of the foot resemble the teeth of a peine, which is a 'comb' in Spanish.
- In Spanish football, a 'lace shot' is called a strike with the empeine. This part of the foot is used to maximize power and velocity when shooting at the goal.
- While the English 'instep' describes the body part, in Spanish, the word empeine is also the technical name for the top part of a leather shoe that covers the foot.
Examples in context
- Es importante cuidar la parte superior del pie durante la práctica de deportes.It is important to take care of the instep during sports activities.
- Me lastimé la parte superior del pie al pisar mal.I injured the instep when I stepped incorrectly.
- Debes impactar la pelota con el empeine para un mejor pase.You should hit the ball with the instep for a better pass.
- Me duele el empeine por los zapatos nuevos.My instep hurts because of the new shoes.
- Tiene una cicatriz en el empeine derecho.He has a scar on his right instep.
- El balón golpeó directamente en el empeine.The ball hit directly on the instep.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are at a sports clinic.
- Lucía¿Qué te pasó en el pie, Alejandro?What happened to your foot, Alejandro?
- AlejandroMe golpeé el empeine jugando al fútbol.I hit my instep playing soccer.
- LucíaParece que tienes un poco de inflamación.It looks like you have a little swelling.
- AlejandroSí, me duele mucho al caminar.Yes, it hurts a lot when I walk.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “instep” translations and entries empeine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries empeine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
