mejillas rojas
/mexiʝas ɾoxas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "red cheeks" is translated into Spanish as mejillas rojas.
The term mejillas rojas is used to mean "red cheeks". Other related phrases include Rubor en las mejillas for "blush on the cheeks" and Mejillas sonrosadas for "rosy cheeks".
Which one should you use?
While mejillas rojas is a literal description of color that can sometimes sound more clinical or descriptive of a physical state, the alternative mejillas coloradas often implies a natural flush or blushing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is mejilla roja. You may also use mejillas coloradas as a common alternative to mejillas rojas when describing cheeks that are red due to blushing, heat or emotion.
How do you pronounce it?
/mexiʝas ɾoxas/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American dialects, calling someone colorado or colorada is used as a nickname for people with red hair, regardless of the color of their cheeks.
- While mejillas is the anatomical term for cheeks, in many Spanish speaking countries people more commonly use the word cachetes in daily conversation.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if someone is 'colorado', it can refer to someone who is easily embarrassed or has a temperament that turns them red with anger.
Examples in context
- Después de correr, tenía las mejillas enrojecidas y un brillo de felicidad en los ojos.After running, her cheeks were red, and there was a spark of happiness in her eyes.
- Cuando le dieron el cumplido, Marta se puso colorada en las mejillas.When she received the compliment, Marta blushed on her cheeks.
- El frío intenso le dejó las mejillas sonrosadasThe intense cold left his cheeks rosy.
- Ella tiene las mejillas rojas por el frío.She has red cheeks from the cold.
- Sus mejillas rojas resaltan con su vestido.Her red cheeks stand out with her dress.
- El niño tiene las mejillas rojas por el ejercicio.The boy has red cheeks from exercise.
Example conversation
Javier and María are walking outside in the winter.
- Javier¿Estás bien, María? Tienes las mejillas rojas.Are you okay, María? You have red cheeks.
- MaríaSí, es solo que hace mucho frío.Yes, it is just that it is very cold.
- JavierTus mejillas rojas se ven muy bonitas.Your red cheeks look very pretty.
- MaríaGracias, Javier, eres muy amable.Thank you, Javier, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
