Signification
To respond to harm or insult with non-resistance rather than retaliation.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, the phrase is well-known but often used with a sense of irony or skepticism, as the culture values directness. In Mexico, the phrase is often associated with the 'patience' of the people, but there is also a strong cultural pushback against being taken advantage of. In Colombia, the phrase is frequently used in religious contexts, given the strong influence of Catholicism. In Argentina, the phrase is used in both serious and casual contexts, often to describe someone who is being 'too good' for their own sake.
Focus on the verb
Remember that 'poner' is the verb that changes. Practice it in different tenses.
Context matters
Be careful using this in very casual settings, as it can sound a bit dramatic.
Signification
To respond to harm or insult with non-resistance rather than retaliation.
Focus on the verb
Remember that 'poner' is the verb that changes. Practice it in different tenses.
Context matters
Be careful using this in very casual settings, as it can sound a bit dramatic.
Combine with other verbs
Use it with 'decidir' or 'preferir' to show it's a conscious choice.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct verb.
En lugar de pelear, él decidió ______ la otra mejilla.
The standard idiom uses the verb 'poner'.
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom?
Choose the correct option:
The correct idiom is 'poner la otra mejilla'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Me insultaron en la calle.' B: '¿Qué hiciste?' A: 'Decidí ______.'
The context implies a choice of non-violence.
Match the situation to the correct reaction.
Someone is being rude to you at work.
This is the most appropriate response for the idiom's meaning.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEn lugar de pelear, él decidió ______ la otra mejilla.
The standard idiom uses the verb 'poner'.
Choose the correct option:
The correct idiom is 'poner la otra mejilla'.
A: 'Me insultaron en la calle.' B: '¿Qué hiciste?' A: 'Decidí ______.'
The context implies a choice of non-violence.
Someone is being rude to you at work.
This is the most appropriate response for the idiom's meaning.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it has biblical roots, but it is used in secular contexts today.
No, that would be confusing. It is strictly for insults or verbal/social conflict.
Some think so, but the idiom actually implies strength and self-control.
Poner is irregular: pongo, pones, pone, ponemos, ponéis, ponen.
Yes, 'ofrecer la otra mejilla' is a common, slightly more formal alternative.
Only if you are asked about conflict resolution and want to emphasize your patience.
Yes, it is widely understood everywhere.
You can say 'No puse la otra mejilla'.
They mean different things. 'Dar la cara' is about responsibility; 'poner la otra mejilla' is about patience.
Yes, but be careful with the tone so it doesn't sound sarcastic.
Expressions liées
Dar el beneficio de la duda
similarTo give someone the benefit of the doubt.
Poner la otra cara
specialized formA variation of the main idiom.
Mantener la calma
builds onTo keep calm.
Tomar el camino alto
similarTo take the high road.
