mandíbula
/mandibula/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for jawline is mandíbula.
mandíbula refers to the lower edge of the face.
Meaning: lower edge of the face (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mandíbula is the standard term, línea de la mandíbula is a formal way to describe the jawline. In technical or medical contexts, you may use perfil mandibular to refer to the jawline.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mandíbula is mandíbulas.
How do you pronounce it?
/mandibula/
Did you know?
- The word mandíbula comes from the Latin mandibula which was derived from the verb mandō meaning to chew. This is why it differs from words for other facial bones.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in parts of the Caribbean, you might hear the colloquial term quijada used to refer to the jaw instead of the more formal mandíbula.
- In Spanish, the word mandíbula is used for both the anatomical bone and the visible 'jawline' of the face. English usually distinguishes between the bone and the aesthetic edge.
Examples in context
- La línea de la mandíbula define la estructura facial.The jawline defines the facial structure.
- El perfil mandibular de una persona varía según su genética.A person's jawline varies according to their genetics.
- Juan tiene una papada notoria, pero su línea de la mandíbula es muy definida.Juan has a noticeable double chin, but his jawline is very defined.
- El contorno del rostro de Ana es elegante y bien definido.Ana's jawline/face contour is elegant and well-defined.
- Tiene una mandíbula muy marcada.He has a very defined jawline.
- Su mandíbula es bastante ancha.His jawline is quite wide.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a portrait of a man.
- Alejandro¿Viste su mandíbula en la foto?Did you see his jawline in the photo?
- ElenaSí, es muy prominente.Yes, it is very prominent.
- AlejandroLe da un aspecto fuerte.It gives him a strong look.
- ElenaTienes razón, Alejandro.You are right, Alejandro.
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.
