canela
/kaˈnɛ.lɐ/feminine
The English word "shin" is translated into Portuguese as canela.
canela refers to the front part of the leg below the knee.
Meaning: front part of the leg below the knee (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
In a literal sense, canela is also the Portuguese word for "cinnamon".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While canela is commonly used to mean shin, it is considered a more colloquial term than the anatomical term tíbia.
How does it change in a sentence?
canela is a feminine noun. When using the definite article "the", you must use the feminine form a canela.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /kaˈnɛ.lɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word canela is a diminutive of the Latin word for 'reed' or 'cane'. This compares the long and thin shape of the human shin to a hollow plant stalk.
- Because canela means both 'shin' and 'cinnamon', a sentence about a canela injury can be misinterpreted as a cooking mishap without context.
- In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, having 'canelas' can be a way to colloquially refer to a person's legs in general, rather than just the shin bone.
Examples in context
- Ele tem um corte enorme na canela.He's got a huge gash on his shin.This sentence is useful for describing an injury on the canela.Tatoeba #10720440 by carlosalberto, translation #9631339 by shekitten
- Tom deu um chute na canela de Mary.Tom kicked Mary in the shin.This sentence is useful for describing a kick to the canela.Tatoeba #10728701 by carlosalberto, translation #2643583 by CK
- Para praticar esportes, é necessário proteger as canelas adequadamente.To practice sports, it's necessary to protect the shins properly.
- Um chute certeiro na canela pode incapacitar um jogador.A precise kick in the shin can disable a player.
- A atleta sofreu uma contusão na canela durante a partida.The athlete suffered a shin injury during the game.
- Dei uma topada na tíbia e agora estou mancando.I bumped my shin and now I'm limping.
- O acidente resultou em uma fratura na perna, mais especificamente na tíbia.The accident resulted in a leg fracture, specifically in the shin.
- Bati a canela na mesa.I hit my shin on the table.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Gabriel are at the gym.
- BeatrizGabriel, você machucou a canela?Gabriel, did you hurt your shin?
- GabrielSim, bateu forte na canela.Yes, I hit my shin hard.
- BeatrizEstá inchada a sua canela?Is your shin swollen?
- GabrielUm pouco, mas vai passar.A little, but it will pass.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shin” translations and entries canela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
