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tobillo means ankle — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 31, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

tobillo

noun • /[to-BEE-yo]/

ankle

Example:

Me torcí el tobillo caminando.

I twisted my ankle while walking.

🧠 What does tobillo mean?

Tobillo is a masculine noun that refers to the ankle, which is the joint connecting the foot with the lower part of the leg. It is an essential anatomical term used frequently in contexts related to health, sports, injuries, and describing the body.

📚 Extra examples

  • Me torcí el tobillo jugando al fútbol y ahora lo tengo hinchado.
    I twisted my ankle playing soccer and now it's swollen.
  • El agua del mar me llegaba hasta los tobillos.
    The sea water came up to my ankles.
  • Lleva una delicada cadena de oro en el tobillo izquierdo.
    She wears a delicate gold chain on her left ankle.

💡 Did You Know?

A related word is 'tobillera,' which can refer to two different things: an ankle brace used for support ('una tobillera ortopédica') or a piece of jewelry worn around the ankle, also known as an anklet ('una tobillera de plata').

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'ankle' in Spanish?
The most common and standard way to say 'ankle' in Spanish is "tobillo".
How do you pronounce 'tobillo' in Spanish?
The word is pronounced toh-BEE-yoh. The stress is on the second syllable. The 'll' sound can vary regionally, often sounding like the 'y' in 'yes' or a soft 'j' sound.
How do you use 'tobillo' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: "El médico me recomendó reposo para el tobillo lesionado." (The doctor recommended rest for the injured ankle.)
What is the English translation of 'tobillo'?
The English translation of "tobillo" is "ankle".
Does 'tobillo' change for gender or number?
"Tobillo" is a masculine noun, so it uses masculine articles like 'el' and 'un'. The plural form is "tobillos" (the ankles), as in "Me duelen los dos tobillos" (Both of my ankles hurt).
Is 'tobillo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, "tobillo" is a very common and fundamental word used in everyday conversation across all Spanish-speaking regions.
Does 'tobillo' have slang or double meanings?
No, "tobillo" does not typically have any common slang or secondary meanings. It consistently refers to the anatomical joint.
Is 'tobillo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word "tobillo" is standard and is used and understood uniformly throughout Spain and Latin America.

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