mandíbula
/mandibula/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for "jaw" is mandíbula.
mandíbula refers to the bone that holds the teeth. In an anatomical context, it is used to specify the lower jaw.
Meaning: bone holding the teeth (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mandíbula refers to the lower jaw, the term maxilar is used to refer to the upper jaw.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, quijada is commonly used in everyday language to mean "jaw".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mandíbula is mandíbulas.
How do you pronounce it?
/mandibula/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish speaking countries, the term quijada is used not just for the bone but also to refer to a musical instrument made from a dried donkey jaw.
- In some Spanish dialects, the word quijada can also refer to a specific type of traditional dried edible pig snout or jaw bone.
- The word mandíbula comes from the Latin mandibula, which was derived from mandō, meaning 'to chew'.
Examples in context
- Me duele la mandíbula.My jaw hurts.This sentence is useful for expressing that your mandíbula is in pain.Tatoeba #994280 by hayastan, translation #1405944 by CK
- Él le rompió la mandíbula.He broke her jaw.This sentence is useful for describing an injury to the mandíbula.Tatoeba #13445460 by Seael, translation #8537118 by CH
- Le dolía la mandíbula al bostezar.His jaw hurt when he yawned.This sentence is useful for describing pain in the mandíbula during a yawn.Tatoeba #7848808 by Seael, translation #10006681 by DJ_Saidez
- El dolor se concentra en la mandíbula.The pain is concentrated in the jaw.
- Me duele la quijada después de comer tanto.My jaw hurts after eating so much.
- El dentista examinó mi mandíbula y recomendó una limpieza profunda.The dentist examined my jaw and recommended a deep cleaning.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is telling Sofía about his recent dental visit.
- JavierSiento mucha tensión en la mandíbula.I feel a lot of tension in my jaw.
- SofíaDeberías descansar un poco, Javier.You should rest a bit, Javier.
- JavierSí, me molesta al abrir la mandíbula.Yes, it bothers me when I open my jaw.
- SofíaVe al médico si no mejora.Go to the doctor if it doesn't improve.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mandíbula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
