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A2 noun #8,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

tornozelo

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces tornozelo en 30 secondes

Explication tornozelo in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'tornozelo' is an essential addition to your basic body parts vocabulary. While you might first learn 'cabeça' (head), 'mão' (hand), and 'pé' (foot), 'tornozelo' helps you be more specific. At this stage, you should focus on identifying the word and using it in very simple sentences. For example, you can say 'Eu tenho dois tornozelos' (I have two ankles) or 'O meu tornozelo dói' (My ankle hurts). It is important to remember that the word is masculine, so you always use 'o' or 'meu'. You might see this word in a basic doctor's office vocabulary list or when learning how to describe yourself. Don't worry about complex medical terms yet; just focus on the physical location of the joint. Think of it as the 'connective' part of your leg. If you are learning colors, you might even say 'Eu tenho uma meia azul no meu tornozelo' (I have a blue sock on my ankle). This level is all about building the foundation and recognizing the word when you hear it in a list of body parts. Practice saying it slowly: tor-no-ze-lo. In Brazil, that final 'o' will sound like a tiny 'u', which is a great first step in sounding more native. Remember, 'tornozelo' is much more specific than just saying 'perna' (leg). If you point to your ankle and say 'perna', people will understand, but saying 'tornozelo' shows you are progressing in your Portuguese studies!

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At the A2 level, you start using 'tornozelo' in more practical, everyday situations, especially those involving health and movement. This is the level where you learn to describe past events, so you might say 'Ontem, eu torci o tornozelo' (Yesterday, I twisted my ankle). Notice the use of the verb 'torcer' (to twist/sprain), which is a very common partner for this noun. You will also use adjectives to describe the state of your ankle, such as 'inchado' (swollen) or 'dolorido' (sore). At A2, you should also be aware of the word 'tornozeleira', which can mean an anklet or an ankle brace. If you go to a pharmacy (farmácia), you might need to ask for a 'tornozeleira para o tornozelo esquerdo'. You are also moving beyond simple possession; instead of always saying 'meu tornozelo', you start to use the more natural 'o tornozelo' when the owner is obvious. 'Vou colocar gelo no tornozelo' (I'm going to put ice on the ankle). This level also introduces simple prepositions like 'até' (until/up to). 'A água estava até o tornozelo' (The water was up to the ankle). This is a common way to describe walking on the beach or through a puddle. You are now able to give more detail about your physical condition or your surroundings using this specific anatomical term.

At the B1 intermediate level, you can use 'tornozelo' in more complex narratives and social contexts. You might describe a sports injury in detail: 'Eu estava jogando futebol quando pisei em falso e senti um estalo no tornozelo' (I was playing soccer when I stepped wrong and felt a pop in my ankle). You are now comfortable with reflexive verbs and more diverse vocabulary like 'articulação' (joint) and 'ligamento' (ligament). You might also encounter the word in fashion or shopping contexts, such as 'calças que terminam no tornozelo' (pants that end at the ankle) or 'botas de cano curto' (ankle boots). B1 learners should also be aware of the cultural significance of the 'tornozeleira eletrônica' in the news, which refers to electronic monitoring. You can participate in conversations about health and fitness, perhaps explaining a workout routine: 'Este exercício ajuda a fortalecer os músculos ao redor do tornozelo' (This exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the ankle). Your pronunciation should be more fluid, correctly handling the 'r' and the 'z'. You also start to understand that in Portuguese, we often omit the possessive pronoun ('meu') when talking about body parts, which makes your speech sound much more natural and less like a direct translation from English. You can now handle a full conversation with a doctor or a physical therapist about this specific part of your body.

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At the B2 level, 'tornozelo' appears in more technical, professional, or literary contexts. You can discuss the mechanics of movement with greater precision. For example, you might talk about 'estabilidade do tornozelo' (ankle stability) or 'amplitude de movimento' (range of motion). In a professional sports context, you would understand discussions about 'entorse de terceiro grau' (third-degree sprain) or 'rompimento de ligamento no tornozelo'. You are also able to use the word metaphorically or in more descriptive, vivid language. In literature, an author might describe a character's 'tornozelos finos e elegantes' to convey a sense of grace. You are also fully aware of the regional differences in pronunciation between Portugal and Brazil and can adjust your listening accordingly. You can read news articles about public figures and understand the implications of their 'tornozeleira eletrônica' without needing an explanation. At B2, you should be able to explain the relationship between the 'tornozelo', 'canela' (shin), and 'calcanhar' (heel) using complex connective words and passive voice if necessary. For instance: 'O tornozelo, sendo uma articulação complexa, é frequentemente sujeito a lesões em terrenos irregulares'. You are no longer just using the word; you are analyzing its role in various specialized domains of the Portuguese language.

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At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'tornozelo' and its various nuances. You can use it in highly specialized medical, legal, or artistic discussions. You might analyze the 'biomecânica do tornozelo' in a scientific paper or discuss the 'estética do tornozelo' in a high-fashion critique. You are familiar with rare or archaic uses and can understand complex idioms that might involve the lower leg. Your vocabulary around the word is extensive, including terms like 'maléolo' (the bony prominence of the ankle). You can debate the ethics and social impact of 'monitoramento por tornozeleira eletrônica' in a high-level political discussion, using sophisticated vocabulary to express nuanced opinions. In creative writing, you can use the 'tornozelo' as a focal point for detailed physical descriptions, perhaps using it to suggest a character's vulnerability or strength. You understand the subtle differences in how the word is used in different Lusophone cultures, from the 'tornozeleiras de capoeira' in Bahia to the specific medical terminology used in a hospital in Lisbon. Your use of the word is effortless, and you can switch between formal anatomical descriptions and casual, idiomatic speech without hesitation. You are also able to correct others' subtle mistakes in the use of prepositions or collocations involving this joint.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'tornozelo' is complete and indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You understand the word's etymological journey from Latin 'tornus' and how it has evolved in the various branches of the Portuguese language. You can interpret the most complex medical reports regarding 'reconstrução ligamentar do tornozelo' or legal documents specifying the conditions of 'uso de tornozeleira eletrônica'. You are also sensitive to the poetic and symbolic uses of the word in Portuguese-language literature, from the works of Machado de Assis to José Saramago. You can engage in a deep anatomical discussion, perhaps comparing the 'tornozelo humano' with that of other species, using highly technical biological terms. In social settings, you can use the word with perfect idiomatic flair, perhaps using it in a joke or a very specific cultural reference that only a native would know. You have a total command of the phonetics, including the most subtle regional variations. For you, 'tornozelo' is not just a word for a joint; it is a tiny piece of a vast linguistic and cultural puzzle that you have completely solved. You can explain the word to others with the depth of a linguist and the precision of a surgeon, providing historical context, cultural anecdotes, and grammatical insights all at once.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

tornozelo en 30 secondes

Tornozelo means ankle in Portuguese. It is a masculine noun used to describe the joint between the leg and the foot, essential for movement.
Commonly used with verbs like 'torcer' (to sprain) and 'quebrar' (to break). In sports, it's one of the most frequently mentioned body parts.
The word 'tornozeleira' is a common derivative, referring to anklets, ankle supports, or even electronic monitoring tags used in the justice system.
Pronunciation involves a soft 'r' and a voiced 'z'. In Brazil, the final 'o' is often pronounced as a soft 'u' sound.

The Portuguese word tornozelo refers to the ankle, the crucial anatomical joint that bridges the leg and the foot. In the Lusophone world, where sports like football (soccer) are culturally dominant, this word is frequently heard in medical, athletic, and everyday contexts. Understanding 'tornozelo' involves more than just knowing a body part; it involves navigating health discussions, fashion, and physical movement. The word is masculine, preceded by the article 'o' (o tornozelo) or 'um' (um tornozelo). It is a precise term, distinct from 'pé' (foot) or 'perna' (leg), though it acts as the pivot between them. When someone says they have a pain in their ankle, they are specifically pointing to the talocrural joint region.

Anatomical Precision: In Portuguese, the 'tornozelo' is the specific meeting point of the tibia, fibula, and talus bones. Unlike English, which sometimes uses 'ankle' loosely, Portuguese speakers are quite specific about this joint, especially in clinical settings.

Eu torci o meu tornozelo enquanto corria no parque ontem de manhã.

Usage varies slightly by region, but the core meaning remains constant across Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique. In Brazil, you might hear it discussed in the context of 'tornozeleiras' (anklets or ankle weights), which are popular in fitness culture. In fashion, 'calças que mostram o tornozelo' (pants that show the ankle) refers to cropped styles. The word carries a sense of vulnerability, as it is a common site for injury. Culturally, the ankle is often seen as a delicate yet strong part of the human architecture, essential for the 'ginga' (swing) in Brazilian dance and sports.

Sports Context: If you watch a football match in Portuguese, you will hear commentators talk about 'lesão no tornozelo' (ankle injury) constantly. It is perhaps the most cited injury in the sport.

O jogador saiu de campo com o tornozelo imobilizado após a falta.

Beyond the physical, the word appears in descriptive language. For example, 'água pelo tornozelo' (water up to the ankle) is used to describe shallow water, often at the beach. This level of detail helps learners move beyond basic 'perna' and 'pé' vocabulary into more intermediate A2 and B1 territory. It is a word of movement, stability, and occasionally, fragility.

Etymological Note: Derived from the Latin 'tornus' (turn), the word literally implies the part that turns or rotates, which perfectly describes the joint's function.

A areia estava quente nos meus tornozelos.

In summary, 'tornozelo' is a foundational noun for describing the human body. Whether you are at a doctor's office in Lisbon or a gym in São Paulo, knowing this word ensures you can accurately describe your physical state and understand instructions regarding movement and health.

Using tornozelo correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese possessives and verbs of injury. Unlike English, where we say 'my ankle', Portuguese often uses the definite article with a reflexive verb or a dative pronoun to indicate possession. For example, 'I hurt my ankle' is often 'Eu machuquei o tornozelo' or 'Torci o tornozelo'. The context usually makes it clear whose ankle is being discussed. This section explores the grammatical nuances and common sentence structures involving this word.

Common Verbs: Torcer (to sprain/twist), quebrar (to break), inchar (to swell), massagear (to massage), and proteger (to protect) are the most frequent partners for this noun.

É importante aquecer bem para não lesionar o tornozelo.

When describing physical attributes, 'tornozelo' can be modified by adjectives like 'fino' (thin), 'grosso' (thick), 'inchado' (swollen), or 'dolorido' (sore). Notice that the adjective must agree in gender (masculine) and number with the noun. If you are talking about both ankles, it becomes 'tornozelos'. In medical contexts, you might hear 'articulação do tornozelo' for the ankle joint. In fashion contexts, you might hear about 'botas de cano curto que cobrem o tornozelo' (ankle boots).

Prepositional Usage: Use 'no' (in the/on the) to indicate location: 'dor no tornozelo' (pain in the ankle). Use 'até' (until/up to) for height: 'água até o tornozelo'.

Ela usa uma pulseira delicada no tornozelo direito.

In more complex sentences, 'tornozelo' can be part of a prepositional phrase describing movement. 'Caminhar com o tornozelo imobilizado é difícil' (Walking with an immobilized ankle is difficult). The word is also central to instructions in physical therapy (fisioterapia) or sports training. 'Gire o tornozelo lentamente no sentido horário' (Rotate your ankle slowly clockwise). This level of instruction is common in yoga or gym classes in Brazil and Portugal.

Pluralization: The plural is 'tornozelos'. For example: 'Meus tornozelos estão cansados depois da caminhada'.

O médico examinou ambos os tornozelos para comparar o inchaço.

Finally, consider the word in passive constructions. 'O tornozelo foi enfaixado pelo enfermeiro' (The ankle was bandaged by the nurse). This variety of sentence structures demonstrates how 'tornozelo' integrates into both active daily life and formal medical descriptions, making it a versatile noun for any learner's vocabulary.

The word tornozelo is ubiquitous in several specific environments. If you are living in a Portuguese-speaking country, you will most likely encounter it in medical clinics, sports facilities, fashion boutiques, and even in the news. It is a word that bridges the gap between technical anatomical terms and everyday colloquial speech. Let's look at the specific 'habitats' of this word.

The Doctor's Office (O Consultório): This is the primary location. You'll hear 'Raio-X do tornozelo' (Ankle X-ray) or 'fisioterapia para o tornozelo'. Doctors will ask: 'Onde exatamente dói no seu tornozelo?'

Doutor, sinto uma pontada no tornozelo sempre que subo escadas.

In the world of sports, especially in Brazil and Portugal, 'tornozelo' is a keyword. Sports news (Jornal Nacional, Record, etc.) frequently reports on the health of famous athletes. 'Neymar tem entorse no tornozelo' was a headline seen millions of times. Fans discuss the stability of a player's ankle as if they were orthopedic surgeons. At the gym (academia), trainers will give instructions like 'mantenha o tornozelo firme' (keep the ankle firm) during squats or lunges.

Fashion and Shopping: When buying shoes or trousers, the ankle is a point of reference. 'Botas de tornozelo' (ankle boots) or 'calças curtas' that highlight the 'tornozelo' are common fashion terms.

Essas sandálias têm uma tira que amarra no tornozelo.

Another modern context is the legal news. As mentioned, the 'tornozeleira eletrônica' is a common term for house arrest monitoring. You will hear this in news reports about politics or crime: 'O réu foi liberado, mas terá que usar tornozeleira'. This has made the word part of the daily political discourse in Brazil. Finally, on the beach, you'll hear it in the context of 'tornozeleiras de miçangas' (bead anklets), a popular summer accessory.

Dance and Culture: In Samba or Capoeira, the movement of the 'tornozelo' is essential. Teachers will emphasize the flexibility of this joint to achieve the correct rhythm and form.

Na capoeira, o movimento começa no tornozelo e sobe pelo corpo.

By paying attention to these contexts, you'll notice 'tornozelo' is far more than a dry medical term; it's a word that moves through the hospital, the stadium, the runway, and the courtroom.

Learning Portuguese body parts can be tricky because of false cognates and gender rules. For tornozelo, the mistakes usually fall into three categories: gender confusion, phonetics, and confusion with other joints. Let's break these down so you can avoid the common pitfalls that English speakers face.

Mistake 1: Gender Confusion: Many learners assume body parts ending in 'o' are masculine, which is true for 'tornozelo' (o tornozelo), but they often mistakenly apply feminine articles because they think of 'a perna' (the leg). Always use 'o' or 'os'.

A tornozelo está inchada. ✓ O tornozelo está inchado.

The second most common mistake is confusing 'tornozelo' with 'pulso' (wrist). In some languages, these words are similar, or learners simply swap them during conversation. Remember: 'tornozelo' is for the foot (pÉ), and 'pulso' is for the hand (mÃO). A helpful mnemonic: 'Tornozelo' starts with 'T' like 'Toe', which is near the ankle.

Mistake 2: Preposition Usage: English speakers often say 'I have a pain on my ankle'. In Portuguese, we use 'no' (in the). 'Tenho uma dor no tornozelo'. Using 'em meu' sounds overly formal and translated.

Eu machuquei o tornozelo (Natural) vs Eu machuquei meu tornozelo (Anglicized).

The third mistake is spelling and pronunciation. The 'r' in 'tornozelo' is a soft flap in the middle of the word (like the 'tt' in 'better' for Americans). Beginners often over-pronounce the 'r' or forget the 'z' sound, making it sound like 'tornosselo'. The 'z' is a voiced 'z' sound as in 'zebra'. Also, watch the ending; in Brazil, the 'o' becomes a soft 'u'.

Mistake 3: Over-using 'Pé': Learners often use 'pé' (foot) to describe everything below the calf. If you go to a doctor saying your 'pé' hurts but it's actually the 'tornozelo', the diagnosis might take longer. Precision matters!

Não é o pé que dói, é o tornozelo, bem na articulação.

By being mindful of these gender rules, avoiding the wrist/ankle swap, and refining your pronunciation of the 'z' and final 'o', you will sound much more like a native speaker when discussing this part of the body.

While tornozelo is the standard term for the ankle, there are several related words and alternatives depending on whether you are being medical, casual, or descriptive. Understanding these helps you build a more robust vocabulary 'web' around the lower leg.

Articulação (Joint): This is the more formal, medical term. You would use this in a physiotherapy session. 'A articulação do tornozelo está rígida'.
Canela (Shin/Lower Leg): Often confused by learners, 'canela' is the area just above the ankle. If someone kicks you in the shin, they hit your 'canela', not your 'tornozelo'.

A meia é comprida e vai do tornozelo até a canela.

In terms of accessories, 'tornozeleira' is a key derivative. It can mean three things: a piece of jewelry (anklet), a protective sports brace (ankle support), or the electronic tag used for house arrest. The context always clarifies which one is meant. If you're at a jewelry store, it's a 'tornozeleira de ouro'. If you're at a sports shop, it's a 'tornozeleira de neoprene'.

Comparison: Tornozelo vs. Pulso: Tornozelo = Ankle (Lower body). Pulso = Wrist (Upper body). Both are hinge joints, but they are never interchangeable.

Eu uso o relógio no pulso, mas a tornozeleira no tornozelo.

Another related term is 'calcanhar' (heel). While the 'tornozelo' is the joint, the 'calcanhar' is the back part of the foot directly below it. People often hurt both at the same time, so they are frequently mentioned together in sports medicine. 'Ele sentiu uma dor que irradia do calcanhar para o tornozelo'.

Diminutives: 'Tornozelinho' might be used affectionately or when talking to a child, though it's less common than 'pezinho' or 'mãozinha'.

Olha que tornozelo fininho esse bebê tem!

By mastering 'tornozelo' alongside 'canela', 'calcanhar', 'pulso', and 'tornozeleira', you gain a complete picture of how to describe movement and the human form in Portuguese. This cluster of words is essential for anyone from athletes to fashionistas.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'torn-' is the same one found in the English words 'turn' and 'tornado', emphasizing the rotational movement of the ankle.

Guide de prononciation

UK /tɔɾ.nu.ˈzɛ.lu/

US /toɾ.no.ˈzɛ.lu/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: tor-no-ZE-lo.

Rime avec

Martelo (hammer) Castelo (castle) Amarelo (yellow) Cotovelo (elbow) Cabelo (hair) Zelo (zeal) Gelo (ice) Farelo (crumb)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'z' as an 's' (it should be voiced).
Over-emphasizing the final 'o' instead of letting it soften into a 'u' (in Brazil).
Forgetting the 'r' sound entirely.
Confusing the stress and putting it on the 'no'.
Making the 'e' sound like 'ei'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is easy to recognize as it follows standard Portuguese phonetics.

Écriture 3/5

The 'z' and 'r' placement can be tricky for beginners.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct stress on the penultimate syllable and soft 'r'.

Écoute 2/5

Clear sound, though the final 'o' as 'u' in Brazil must be noted.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Pé Perna Corpo Dor Osso

Apprends ensuite

Joelho Cotovelo Pulso Ombro Quadril

Avancé

Ligamento Tendão Cartilagem Fisioterapia Ortopedia

Grammaire à connaître

Definite Articles with Body Parts

Em português, dizemos 'o tornozelo' em vez de 'meu tornozelo' quando o dono é óbvio.

Gender Agreement

O tornozelo é masculino, então dizemos 'tornozelo inchado', não 'inchada'.

Plural Formation

Nouns ending in 'o' simply add 's': tornozelo -> tornozelos.

Preposition 'Em' + 'O'

Usamos 'no' (em + o) para indicar localização: 'dor no tornozelo'.

Reflexive Verbs for Injuries

Muitas vezes usamos 'machucar-se': 'Eu me machuquei no tornozelo'.

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Exemples par niveau

O meu tornozelo dói um pouco.

My ankle hurts a little.

Uses 'o meu' (masculine possessive) and 'dói' (from the verb doer).

Eu tenho dois tornozelos.

I have two ankles.

Plural form 'tornozelos'.

Onde está o seu tornozelo?

Where is your ankle?

Basic question structure with 'onde está'.

O tornozelo é parte da perna.

The ankle is part of the leg.

Simple definition using the verb 'ser'.

Ela usa uma meia no tornozelo.

She wears a sock on the ankle.

Preposition 'no' (em + o).

Este sapato aperta o meu tornozelo.

This shoe squeezes my ankle.

Verb 'apertar' (to squeeze/tighten).

O bebê tem um tornozelo pequeno.

The baby has a small ankle.

Adjective 'pequeno' agreeing with masculine noun.

Eu toco no meu tornozelo.

I touch my ankle.

Verb 'tocar' followed by 'no' (em + o).

Eu torci o tornozelo enquanto jogava.

I twisted my ankle while playing.

Past tense 'torci' (pretérito perfeito).

O tornozelo dele está muito inchado.

His ankle is very swollen.

Adjective 'inchado' (swollen).

Você precisa colocar gelo no tornozelo.

You need to put ice on the ankle.

Imperative-like structure 'precisa colocar'.

A água do mar estava pelos tornozelos.

The sea water was up to the ankles.

Plural 'pelos' (por + os) indicating height.

Ela comprou uma tornozeleira de prata.

She bought a silver anklet.

Derivative noun 'tornozeleira' (anklet).

O médico examinou o meu tornozelo ontem.

The doctor examined my ankle yesterday.

Past tense verb 'examinou'.

Não consigo mexer o meu tornozelo direito.

I can't move my right ankle.

Negative structure 'não consigo'.

Use botas que protejam o tornozelo na trilha.

Use boots that protect the ankle on the trail.

Subjunctive 'protejam' after a command.

Senti um estalo forte no tornozelo ao pular.

I felt a loud pop in my ankle when jumping.

Noun 'estalo' (pop/crack).

O fisioterapeuta recomendou exercícios para o tornozelo.

The physical therapist recommended exercises for the ankle.

Professional context: 'fisioterapeuta'.

A calça é um pouco curta e mostra o tornozelo.

The pants are a bit short and show the ankle.

Fashion context: 'mostra o tornozelo'.

Ele teve que usar uma tornozeleira por causa da lesão.

He had to wear an ankle brace because of the injury.

Contextual meaning of 'tornozeleira' as a brace.

A dor no tornozelo piora quando eu subo escadas.

The pain in the ankle gets worse when I go up stairs.

Verb 'piorar' (to get worse).

É perigoso caminhar em pedras com o tornozelo fraco.

It's dangerous to walk on rocks with a weak ankle.

Adjective 'fraco' (weak).

O inchaço no tornozelo diminuiu depois do remédio.

The swelling in the ankle went down after the medicine.

Noun 'inchaço' (swelling).

Ela tem uma tatuagem pequena perto do tornozelo.

She has a small tattoo near the ankle.

Prepositional phrase 'perto do'.

A entorse no tornozelo o afastou dos gramados por um mês.

The ankle sprain kept him off the field for a month.

Specific term 'entorse' (sprain).

O réu passará a cumprir pena com tornozeleira eletrônica.

The defendant will begin serving his sentence with an electronic anklet.

Legal context: 'tornozeleira eletrônica'.

A estabilidade do tornozelo é fundamental para o equilíbrio.

Ankle stability is fundamental for balance.

Abstract noun 'estabilidade'.

Houve um rompimento parcial dos ligamentos do tornozelo.

There was a partial rupture of the ankle ligaments.

Medical term 'rompimento parcial'.

Ela sentiu o tornozelo falsear durante a caminhada na trilha.

She felt her ankle give way during the hike on the trail.

Verb 'falsear' (to give way/buckle).

O médico solicitou uma ressonância magnética do tornozelo.

The doctor requested an MRI of the ankle.

Advanced medical term 'ressonância magnética'.

A massagem no tornozelo ajudou a aliviar a tensão muscular.

The ankle massage helped relieve muscular tension.

Verb 'aliviar' (to relieve).

Muitas modelos sofrem com dores nos tornozelos devido aos saltos.

Many models suffer from ankle pain due to high heels.

Plural 'nos tornozelos' (em + os).

A complexidade biomecânica do tornozelo permite movimentos multidirecionais.

The biomechanical complexity of the ankle allows for multidirectional movements.

Academic tone: 'complexidade biomecânica'.

O autor descreveu os tornozelos da protagonista como frágeis e ebúrneos.

The author described the protagonist's ankles as fragile and ivory-like.

Literary adjectives: 'frágeis e ebúrneos'.

A cirurgia de reconstrução do tornozelo foi um sucesso absoluto.

The ankle reconstruction surgery was an absolute success.

Compound noun 'cirurgia de reconstrução'.

O uso de tornozeleiras eletrônicas gera debates sobre privacidade e segurança.

The use of electronic anklets sparks debates about privacy and security.

Abstract social debate context.

É necessário avaliar o grau de supinação do tornozelo na corrida.

It is necessary to evaluate the degree of ankle supination during running.

Technical term 'supinação'.

A dor crônica no tornozelo pode levar a alterações na postura.

Chronic ankle pain can lead to changes in posture.

Causal structure 'pode levar a'.

O impacto no tornozelo foi amortecido pelo calçado tecnológico.

The impact on the ankle was cushioned by the high-tech footwear.

Passive voice 'foi amortecido'.

Os dançarinos de flamenco possuem tornozelos extremamente resistentes.

Flamenco dancers have extremely resilient ankles.

Adverbial intensification 'extremamente resistentes'.

A articulação talocrural, vulgarmente conhecida como tornozelo, é um gínglimo.

The talocrural joint, commonly known as the ankle, is a hinge joint.

Anatomical precision: 'articulação talocrural' and 'gínglimo'.

A evolução filogenética do tornozelo permitiu o bipedalismo humano.

The phylogenetic evolution of the ankle enabled human bipedalism.

Scientific terminology: 'filogenética' and 'bipedalismo'.

O drible desconcertante do craque deixou o defensor com os tornozelos 'em nós'.

The star's bewildering dribble left the defender's ankles 'in knots'.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical use in sports: 'em nós'.

A patologia do tornozelo exige uma abordagem multidisciplinar complexa.

Ankle pathology requires a complex multidisciplinary approach.

Professional jargon: 'patologia' and 'multidisciplinar'.

A fineza dos tornozelos era, em tempos idos, um cânone de beleza aristocrática.

The slenderness of ankles was, in times past, a canon of aristocratic beauty.

Historical/Archaic tone: 'tempos idos' and 'cânone'.

O mal-estar irradiava-se do maléolo lateral por todo o tornozelo.

The discomfort radiated from the lateral malleolus throughout the ankle.

Highly specific anatomy: 'maléolo lateral'.

A vulnerabilidade do tornozelo é o calcanhar de Aquiles de muitos maratonistas.

Ankle vulnerability is the Achilles' heel of many marathoners.

Metaphorical usage combining two anatomical myths.

As flutuações edematosas nos tornozelos podem indicar problemas circulatórios graves.

Edematous fluctuations in the ankles can indicate serious circulatory problems.

Advanced medical vocabulary: 'flutuações edematosas'.

Collocations courantes

Torcer o tornozelo

Tornozelo inchado

Dor no tornozelo

Fratura no tornozelo

Tornozelo fino

Até o tornozelo

Girar o tornozelo

Proteger o tornozelo

Tornozelo imobilizado

Tornozelo de atleta

Phrases Courantes

Água pelos tornozelos

— Used to describe very shallow water. It implies that the water only reaches the height of the ankles.

Caminhamos com a água pelos tornozelos na beira do mar.

Até os tornozelos

— Similar to 'up to the ankles', used for clothing length or water depth.

O vestido longo chegava até os tornozelos.

Tornozeleira eletrônica

— The electronic device used to monitor people under house arrest or on parole.

O político saiu da prisão com uma tornozeleira eletrônica.

Dar um mau jeito no tornozelo

— A colloquial way to say you twisted or hurt your ankle slightly.

Dei um mau jeito no tornozelo ao descer do ônibus.

Tornozelo de vidro

— An informal way to describe someone who gets injured very easily (like glass).

Aquele jogador tem tornozelo de vidro, vive lesionado.

Botas de tornozelo

— Commonly used in fashion to refer to ankle boots.

Ela adora usar botas de tornozelo com jeans.

Entorse de tornozelo

— The standard medical term for an ankle sprain.

A entorse de tornozelo é comum em corredores.

Tira no tornozelo

— Refers to the strap on a sandal or shoe that goes around the ankle.

Sandálias com tira no tornozelo são elegantes.

Fortalecimento de tornozelo

— Exercises aimed at making the ankle joint stronger.

O fortalecimento de tornozelo evita novas lesões.

Raio-X do tornozelo

— The medical imaging procedure for the ankle.

O médico pediu um raio-X do tornozelo para ver se quebrou.

Souvent confondu avec

tornozelo vs Pulso

English speakers often confuse 'ankle' and 'wrist'. Tornozelo = Ankle; Pulso = Wrist.

tornozelo vs Cotovelo

Another joint word that sounds somewhat similar due to the 'o' and 'l' sounds. Cotovelo = Elbow.

tornozelo vs Calcanhar

The heel is the back of the foot, while the tornozelo is the joint above it.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Estar com a corda no tornozelo"

— A variation of 'corda no pescoço', meaning to be in a very tight or difficult financial or legal situation.

Com tantas dívidas, ele está com a corda no tornozelo.

Informal

"Caminhar sobre os tornozelos"

— To move very cautiously or to be in a state of extreme physical weakness.

Depois da gripe, ele parecia caminhar sobre os tornozelos.

Literary

"Até os tornozelos em problemas"

— To be slightly involved in problems (less severe than 'até o pescoço').

Ele está até os tornozelos em problemas com a vizinhança.

Colloquial

"Tornozelos de ferro"

— To have very strong, resilient legs/ankles, often used for dancers or soccer players.

A bailarina tem tornozelos de ferro.

Informal

"Ficar de tornozelos cruzados"

— To wait patiently or to be in a relaxed, idle state.

Ficou de tornozelos cruzados esperando a resposta.

Informal

"Cortar os tornozelos"

— To undermine someone's stability or progress (figurative).

A nova lei cortou os tornozelos da pequena empresa.

Metaphorical

"Tornozelos em nós"

— To be completely confused or physically tangled up, often used in sports.

O drible deixou o zagueiro com os tornozelos em nós.

Slang/Sports

"Mostrar o tornozelo"

— Historically, a sign of flirtation or immodesty; now used to describe modern fashion trends.

Antigamente, mostrar o tornozelo era um escândalo.

Historical/Cultural

"Pisar no próprio tornozelo"

— To be extremely clumsy or to trip over oneself.

Ele é tão distraído que pisa no próprio tornozelo.

Informal/Humorous

"Amarrar o tornozelo"

— To limit someone's freedom of movement or action.

O contrato amarrou o tornozelo do artista por cinco anos.

Metaphorical

Facile à confondre

tornozelo vs Canela

Both are parts of the lower leg.

Canela is the shin (front of the lower leg), while tornozelo is the joint connecting the leg to the foot.

Ele canelou a bola, mas machucou o tornozelo.

tornozelo vs Pé

They are physically very close.

Pé is the entire foot; tornozelo is just the ankle joint.

O meu pé é grande, mas o meu tornozelo é fino.

tornozelo vs Tornozeleira

It's the noun for an object, not the body part.

Tornozelo is the body part; tornozeleira is something you wear on it (anklet/brace).

Pus a tornozeleira no meu tornozelo machucado.

tornozelo vs Pulso

Both are limb joints.

Pulso is for the arm/hand; tornozelo is for the leg/foot.

Uso o relógio no pulso e a meia no tornozelo.

tornozelo vs Junta

It's a more general term.

Junta can be any joint (knee, elbow, etc.); tornozelo is specific to the ankle.

Esta junta específica chama-se tornozelo.

Structures de phrases

O meu [body part] dói.

O meu tornozelo dói.

Eu [verb] o tornozelo [time].

Eu torci o tornozelo ontem.

Sinto uma dor no tornozelo quando [action].

Sinto uma dor no tornozelo quando corro.

É importante [verb] o tornozelo para evitar [noun].

É importante fortalecer o tornozelo para evitar lesões.

Apesar da [noun] no tornozelo, ele [verb].

Apesar da inflamação no tornozelo, ele continuou a jogar.

Dada a complexidade do tornozelo, [conclusion].

Dada a complexidade do tornozelo, a recuperação será lenta.

A água estava até o [body part].

A água estava até o tornozelo.

Ela usa uma [accessory] no tornozelo.

Ela usa uma pulseira no tornozelo.

Famille de mots

Noms

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High, especially in medical and sports contexts.

Erreurs courantes

A tornozelo → O tornozelo
The word is masculine, even if you are a woman talking about your own ankle.
Meu pulso (when meaning ankle) → Meu tornozelo
Many English speakers swap 'wrist' and 'ankle' in Portuguese. Pulso = Wrist.
Torci meu tornozelo → Torci o tornozelo
While not 'wrong', using 'o' is much more natural for native speakers than the possessive 'meu'.
Tornoselo → Tornozelo
The sound is a 'z' (voiced), not an 's' (unvoiced).
Dor no pé (when it's the ankle) → Dor no tornozelo
Using 'pé' is too general and can lead to confusion in medical contexts.

Astuces

Masculine Noun

Always pair 'tornozelo' with masculine articles (o, um) and adjectives (inchado, quebrado).

The 'Torcer' Connection

Learn 'tornozelo' and 'torcer' together. They are the most common verb-noun pair for this word.

The Soft 'O'

In Brazil, end the word with a soft 'u' sound (tornozelu) to sound more like a local.

Sports News

Watch Brazilian sports news; you'll hear 'tornozelo' mentioned every time a player gets injured.

Shoe Shopping

When buying boots in Portugal or Brazil, use 'tornozelo' to describe where you want the boot to end.

Precise Pain

If you go to a doctor, distinguish between 'pé' (foot) and 'tornozelo' (ankle) for a faster diagnosis.

The 'Z' Hinge

Remember the 'Z' in the middle of the word looks like a bent joint—your ankle!

Latin Roots

Remember 'tornus' (turn). The tornozelo is the part of your leg that turns.

News Context

If you hear 'tornozeleira' on the news, it almost always refers to electronic monitoring.

Yoga Class

In a Portuguese yoga class, listen for 'gire o tornozelo' to know when to rotate your foot.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'TORNado' turning around your foot. The part that 'turns' is the 'TORNozelo'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a 'Z' shape being drawn by your foot as you rotate your ankle. The 'Z' is in the middle of 'tornoZelo'.

Word Web

Corpo Perna Pé Osso Dor Sapato Meia Andar

Défi

Try to describe three different activities that require your tornozelo to be flexible, using the word in each sentence.

Origine du mot

From the Vulgar Latin *tornicellus, a diminutive form of the Latin 'tornus', meaning 'turn' or 'lathe'. It refers to the rotating nature of the joint.

Sens originel : Small turning joint.

Romance (Indo-European)

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, though 'tornozeleira eletrônica' can be a sensitive topic related to crime and justice.

English speakers often say 'I hurt my ankle', while Portuguese speakers prefer 'Torci o tornozelo' (I twisted the ankle).

Neymar's frequent 'lesões no tornozelo' in World Cups. The 'tornozeleira eletrônica' mentioned in the 'Lava Jato' investigation. Traditional songs that mention the 'tornozelo fino' of a beautiful woman.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Sports Injury

Torci o tornozelo
Está inchado
Não consigo pisar
Preciso de gelo

Fashion

Calça curta no tornozelo
Tornozeleira de ouro
Botas de cano curto
Sandália com tira

Medical / Pharmacy

Dor crônica no tornozelo
Raio-X do tornozelo
Tornozeleira ortopédica
Anti-inflamatório

Physical Exercise

Aquecer o tornozelo
Girar os tornozelos
Fortalecer a articulação
Equilíbrio

News / Legal

Tornozeleira eletrônica
Prisão domiciliar
Monitoramento
Liberdade condicional

Amorces de conversation

"Você já torceu o seu tornozelo alguma vez?"

"O que você faz quando sente dor no tornozelo?"

"Você acha que usar tornozeleira eletrônica é uma punição justa?"

"Você gosta de usar sapatos que mostram o tornozelo?"

"Como você aquece os seus tornozelos antes de correr?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva uma vez que você se machucou, mencionando o seu tornozelo.

Escreva sobre a importância da estabilidade do tornozelo para atletas.

O que você pensa sobre a moda das calças que terminam no tornozelo?

Imagine que você é um fisioterapeuta. Dê conselhos para alguém com dor no tornozelo.

Descreva a sensação de caminhar com a água do mar pelos tornozelos.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is masculine: 'o tornozelo'. You use masculine adjectives with it, like 'tornozelo inchado'.

The most common way is 'Eu torci o tornozelo'. You don't usually need to say 'meu' if it's obvious.

It can be an anklet (jewelry), an ankle brace (medical), or an electronic monitoring tag (legal).

The 'tornozelo' is the joint that moves, while the 'calcanhar' is the heel at the bottom back of your foot.

It is a voiced 'z' sound, like in the English word 'zebra' or 'lazy'.

Yes, although in veterinary terms for some animals, different words might be used (like 'boleto' for horses), 'tornozelo' is generally understood.

Not a specific one, but 'junta' is often used informally.

Simply add an 's' to the end: 'tornozelos'.

Literally 'water on the ankle', it usually refers to shallow water depth.

Yes, the word is exactly the same in both countries, though the pronunciation of the final 'o' and the 'r' varies.

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