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A1 noun #3,200 most common 12 min read

rodilla

Top 3,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips rodilla in 30 Seconds

Explanation rodilla in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'rodilla' is introduced as one of the basic parts of the human body. Students learn this alongside 'cabeza' (head), 'brazo' (arm), and 'pierna' (leg). The primary goal is to be able to identify the knee and use it in simple sentences. You will learn to say things like 'Tengo dos rodillas' (I have two knees) or 'La rodilla es parte de la pierna' (The knee is part of the leg). At this stage, the focus is on simple identification and the feminine gender of the noun. You should practice using the definite articles 'la' and 'las' correctly. A typical A1 exercise might involve pointing to a diagram of a person and labeling the 'rodilla'. You might also learn very basic verbs of movement, like 'doblar la rodilla' (bend the knee), which is useful for basic physical descriptions or following simple instructions in a health or fitness context. Understanding that 'rodilla' is feminine is crucial from day one to avoid common mistakes like 'el rodilla'. You will also encounter the word in simple descriptions of pain, such as 'Me duele la rodilla', which is a standard phrase for beginners to learn when discussing health and the body.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'rodilla' in more descriptive and functional contexts. You will learn to describe physical activities and how they affect your body. For instance, you might explain that you were running and fell, resulting in a scraped knee: 'Me caí y me raspé la rodilla'. You will also start to see the word used with more adjectives, such as 'rodilla derecha' (right knee) or 'rodilla izquierda' (left knee). The concept of reflexive verbs and body parts becomes more integrated here; you'll learn that 'lavarse las rodillas' (to wash one's knees) uses the definite article rather than the possessive adjective. You will also learn the phrase 'de rodillas' to describe the position of kneeling, which might appear in stories or descriptions of social situations. A2 learners are expected to handle basic medical interactions, so knowing how to tell a doctor 'Tengo un problema en la rodilla' is a key skill. You might also encounter the word in the context of clothing, such as describing 'pantalones con agujeros en las rodillas' (pants with holes in the knees), which is common in casual conversation about fashion and daily life.

By the B1 level, your use of 'rodilla' becomes more nuanced as you discuss health, sports, and more complex physical sensations. You will move beyond simple pain to describing specific types of discomfort, such as 'tengo la rodilla hinchada' (I have a swollen knee) or 'siento un crujido en la rodilla' (I feel a clicking in my knee). You will also learn more about the structure of the knee, perhaps encountering the word 'ligamento' (ligament) or 'menisco' (meniscus) in discussions about sports injuries. B1 learners should be comfortable using 'rodilla' in the past and future tenses, for example, discussing a past injury: 'Hace dos años me operaron de la rodilla' (Two years ago I had knee surgery). You will also start to use the word in more idiomatic or figurative ways, though still fairly literal, such as 'hincar la rodilla' (to kneel down, often implying a sense of giving in or starting a difficult task). Your ability to follow more complex instructions in a yoga or gym class will improve, as you understand phrases like 'mantén las rodillas ligeramente flexionadas' (keep your knees slightly bent). This level focuses on making your descriptions of physical states and activities more precise and grammatically correct.

At the B2 level, 'rodilla' appears in more specialized and abstract contexts. You will be able to discuss medical procedures in greater detail, such as 'una artroscopia de rodilla' or 'el reemplazo total de rodilla'. You will also encounter the word in more sophisticated literature and news reports. For example, a news article might describe a protest where people were 'de rodillas' as a sign of peaceful resistance. You will also learn more complex idioms and expressions, such as 'estar de rodillas' in a metaphorical sense, meaning to be in a position of extreme weakness or submission before a challenge or an enemy. B2 learners are expected to understand the subtle difference between 'rodilla' and more technical terms like 'rótula' and use them appropriately in different registers. You might also discuss the ergonomics of the workplace, using 'rodilla' to talk about the importance of 'rodilleras' (knee pads) for certain professions. Your ability to describe sensations is much higher, using verbs like 'punzar' (to sting/throb) or 'hormiguear' (to tingle) in relation to the knee. At this level, you should be able to write a detailed report about an accident or a health issue involving the knee with high grammatical accuracy.

At the C1 level, you have a deep and flexible understanding of 'rodilla'. You can use it in highly formal medical or scientific discussions, understanding the full anatomy of the joint including 'tendones', 'cartílagos', and 'líquido sinovial'. You are also familiar with less common, more literary terms like 'hinojos' for knees, which you might encounter in classic Spanish literature or poetry. You can discuss the cultural implications of kneeling in different Spanish-speaking societies, from religious processions to social etiquette. Your use of the word in idiomatic expressions is natural and fluid; you understand the nuance of 'poner a alguien de rodillas' (to bring someone to their knees/defeat them) and can use it in political or social commentary. You are also aware of regional variations in how body parts are discussed and can adjust your speech accordingly. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know its history, its technicalities, and its various metaphorical layers. You can analyze a text that uses 'rodilla' as a symbol of vulnerability or strength and discuss it with sophistication. Your pronunciation is near-native, including the subtle 'll' sound that varies across the Spanish-speaking world.

At the C2 level, 'rodilla' is a word you use with the precision and variety of a native speaker with a high level of education. You can navigate the most complex medical journals discussing 'reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior de la rodilla' with ease. You are also comfortable with the word's presence in the 'Siglo de Oro' literature, recognizing phrases like 'caer de hinojos' in the works of Cervantes or Lope de Vega. You can use 'rodilla' in highly abstract or metaphorical ways in creative writing or professional oratory. For instance, you might describe a nation 'de rodillas ante la crisis' with a full grasp of the emotional and rhetorical weight the phrase carries. You understand the etymology of the word from the Latin 'rotella' and how it evolved in the Romance languages. There is no context—be it a specialized surgical room, a legal deposition about a workplace injury, or a high-level literary analysis—where you would struggle to use or understand 'rodilla' and its related terms. Your mastery is such that you can even play with the word in puns or wordplay, showing a total command of the Spanish language's phonetic and semantic possibilities.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

rodilla in 30 Seconds

Rodilla means 'knee' in Spanish. It is a feminine noun (la rodilla).
Commonly used with reflexive verbs like 'lastimarse' or 'arrodillarse'.
The phrase 'de rodillas' means 'kneeling' or 'on one's knees'.
Essential for medical, sports, and daily physical descriptions.

The Spanish word rodilla is a fundamental noun that every learner must master early in their journey. It translates directly to the English word 'knee'. Anatomically, it refers to the complex joint connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). In everyday Spanish, it is used exactly as 'knee' is used in English—to describe parts of the body, physical movements, injuries, and even certain metaphorical states of being. Whether you are at the doctor's office, participating in a yoga class, or watching a football match where a player goes down, 'rodilla' is the essential term for this specific hinge joint.

Anatomical Context: In a medical or biological sense, the rodilla is often discussed alongside the 'rótula' (kneecap/patella) and 'ligamentos' (ligaments). Doctors will ask '¿Le duele la rodilla?' to inquire about pain.

Me caí y me lastimé la rodilla derecha mientras corría en el parque.

Beyond the physical body, 'rodilla' appears in numerous cultural and religious contexts. To be 'de rodillas' signifies a state of kneeling, which can represent prayer, submission, or a formal proposal of marriage. In the world of sports, particularly soccer, the health of the 'rodilla' is a constant topic of conversation, as it is one of the most vulnerable joints for athletes. Understanding this word also opens the door to understanding related verbs like 'arrodillarse' (to kneel down), which is a reflexive verb used when someone physically lowers themselves onto their knees.

El jugador tuvo que salir del campo porque se torció la rodilla.

Common Actions: Common verbs associated with this noun include 'doblar' (to bend), 'estirar' (to stretch), and 'golpear' (to hit). You might say 'dobla las rodillas' during an exercise routine.

Para levantar la caja pesada, debes flexionar las rodillas.

El niño tiene una cicatriz en la rodilla de cuando se cayó de la bicicleta.

Social Contexts: In social settings, the knee is often mentioned in the context of clothing, such as 'pantalones rotos en la rodilla' (ripped jeans at the knee) or 'una falda por debajo de la rodilla' (a skirt below the knee).

Ella se puso de rodillas para buscar el anillo perdido bajo el sofá.

In summary, 'rodilla' is more than just an anatomical term; it is a word deeply integrated into daily descriptions of movement, physical health, and social behavior. Whether you are describing a fashion choice or a medical condition, 'rodilla' is the precise and only word used for this part of the human anatomy in Spanish. Mastery of its usage involves not only knowing the translation but also the grammatical nuances of reflexive verbs and definite articles that frequently accompany it.

Using 'rodilla' correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Spanish syntax regarding body parts. Unlike English, which heavily relies on possessive adjectives (my knee, your knee), Spanish prefers the definite article (la rodilla, las rodillas) when the possessor is already indicated by a reflexive or indirect object pronoun. For example, 'I hurt my knee' becomes 'Me lastimé la rodilla'. The 'Me' tells us whose knee it is, so 'la' is used instead of 'mi'. This is one of the most common hurdles for English speakers, but once mastered, it makes your Spanish sound significantly more native and fluid.

Physical Descriptions: When describing the physical state of a knee, you will use feminine adjectives. Common examples include 'rodilla izquierda' (left knee), 'rodilla derecha' (right knee), and 'rodilla herida' (injured knee).

Tengo la rodilla muy inflamada después del partido de ayer.

In the context of movement, 'rodilla' is often the object of verbs like 'doblar' (to bend), 'flexionar' (to flex), and 'levantar' (to raise). In a gym setting, an instructor might say 'Lleva las rodillas al pecho' (Bring your knees to your chest). Note how the plural 'las rodillas' is used when referring to both joints. When describing a position, 'de rodillas' is the standard phrase for 'kneeling'. You can say 'estar de rodillas' (to be kneeling) or 'ponerse de rodillas' (to get on one's knees). These phrases are used in both literal and figurative senses, such as in religious worship or when someone is forced into submission.

Él se puso de rodillas para pedirle matrimonio en la playa.

Medical and Health Contexts: In a clinic, you might hear 'operación de rodilla' (knee surgery) or 'dolor de rodilla' (knee pain). The preposition 'de' connects the noun to its specific type or cause.

La abuela necesita una prótesis de rodilla debido a la artritis.

Siento un pinchazo en la rodilla cada vez que subo las escaleras.

Clothing and Fashion: When talking about where a garment ends, 'rodilla' serves as a reference point. 'A la rodilla' means at the knee, while 'por encima de la rodilla' means above the knee.

Compré unas botas altas que llegan hasta la rodilla.

Finally, remember that 'rodilla' is used in many idiomatic expressions that don't always translate literally. However, in most standard sentence constructions, it acts as a straightforward noun. Pay close attention to the gender (feminine) and the use of articles versus possessives to ensure your sentences are grammatically sound and culturally appropriate.

The word 'rodilla' is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking environments, appearing in contexts ranging from the highly technical to the extremely casual. In the world of sports, particularly in countries like Spain, Mexico, and Argentina where soccer (fútbol) is king, 'rodilla' is a word you will hear on every sports news broadcast. Commentators often discuss 'lesiones de rodilla' (knee injuries) with great detail, focusing on the 'ligamento cruzado anterior' (ACL). If a star player is injured, the health of their 'rodilla' becomes a matter of national concern, discussed in cafes and on social media alike.

In the Gym or Yoga Studio: Fitness instructors constantly use 'rodilla' to guide form. You will hear commands like 'mantén las rodillas alineadas' (keep your knees aligned) or 'no bloquees las rodillas' (don't lock your knees).

Durante la sentadilla, asegúrate de que tus rodillas no sobrepasen la punta de los pies.

In a medical setting, 'rodilla' is the primary term used by doctors, physiotherapists, and patients. If you visit a 'traumatólogo' (orthopedic surgeon) in a Spanish-speaking country, they will use 'rodilla' to explain everything from simple wear and tear to complex surgical procedures. Patients use it to describe their symptoms: 'Siento que la rodilla se me sale' (I feel like my knee is popping out) or 'Tengo un dolor sordo en la rodilla' (I have a dull pain in my knee). This makes it a vital word for anyone living in or traveling to a Spanish-speaking region, as it is essential for communicating health needs.

El fisioterapeuta me recomendó ejercicios para fortalecer los músculos alrededor de la rodilla.

In Everyday Parenting: Parents frequently use the word when their children fall. Phrases like '¡Cuidado con las rodillas!' (Watch your knees!) or 'Te raspaste la rodilla' (You scraped your knee) are heard in parks across the Spanish-speaking world.

Pobre niño, se hizo un raspón en la rodilla al caerse de los columpios.

Cayó de rodillas ante el altar, pidiendo perdón por sus pecados.

In the Workplace: In manual labor jobs, 'rodilleras' (knee pads) are a common safety item. Workers might say, 'Ponte las rodilleras antes de empezar a poner el suelo' (Put on your knee pads before you start laying the floor).

Trabajar todo el día en el jardín me deja las rodillas destrozadas.

Whether you are watching a telenovela, reading a health magazine, or simply walking through a park, 'rodilla' is a word that will frequently reach your ears. Its high frequency in both literal and metaphorical contexts makes it a cornerstone of functional Spanish vocabulary.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 'rodilla' is related to gender. Since many body parts in Spanish are masculine (el brazo, el pie, el dedo), learners often mistakenly say 'el rodilla'. However, 'rodilla' is feminine, so it must always be 'la rodilla'. This mistake then ripples through the sentence, leading to incorrect adjective agreement, such as saying 'el rodilla lastimado' instead of the correct 'la rodilla lastimada'. Remembering the 'a' ending as a hint for its feminine gender is helpful, though not all 'a' ending words are feminine, in this case, it holds true.

Possessive vs. Definite Article: As mentioned before, saying 'mi rodilla' when the context already implies ownership is a common 'anglicismo'. Native speakers almost always use 'la rodilla' with reflexive verbs.

Incorrecto: Me duele mi rodilla. Correcto: Me duele la rodilla.

Another error involves confusing 'rodilla' with 'rótula'. While 'rótula' is the technical term for the kneecap (patella), 'rodilla' refers to the entire joint. Using 'rótula' in a casual conversation about a scrape or a general ache can sound overly clinical or even incorrect if the pain isn't specifically on the bone itself. Conversely, if you are describing a specific fracture of the kneecap, 'rodilla' might be too vague. However, for 95% of conversations, 'rodilla' is the appropriate and most natural term to use.

Incorrecto: Necesito un masaje en el rodillo. Correcto: Necesito un masaje en la rodilla.

Preposition Pitfalls: When saying 'on your knees', English speakers often want to use 'en'. While 'en las rodillas' can mean 'on the knees' (like a cat sitting on your knees), the state of kneeling is always 'de rodillas'.

Él estaba de rodillas (kneeling) frente al rey.

Las rodillas son articulaciones muy complejas.

Pluralization Logic: If you hurt both knees, make sure to pluralize the article and the noun: 'las rodillas'. If you only hurt one, use the singular 'la rodilla'. This seems simple, but in the heat of conversation, learners often forget to match the plurality.

Me duelen las rodillas después de caminar tanto.

By paying attention to these common pitfalls—gender, article usage, word confusion, and prepositions—you can avoid the typical 'foreigner' mistakes and sound much more like a native Spanish speaker when talking about this essential part of the body.

While 'rodilla' is the most common and standard word for the knee, there are several related terms and alternatives that can provide more precision or a different tone depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate different levels of formality, from medical consultations to casual street slang. The most important technical alternative is 'rótula', which specifically refers to the bone at the front of the knee. In common parlance, people might use 'rodilla' to mean the whole area, but a doctor will use 'rótula' when talking about a fracture or specific bone alignment.

Rodilla vs. Rótula: 'Rodilla' is the general joint; 'Rótula' is the specific kneecap bone. You have 'dolor de rodilla' (general) but a 'fractura de rótula' (specific).

La rótula protege la parte frontal de la articulación de la rodilla.

In some regions, particularly in parts of Mexico or Central America, you might hear the word 'gacho'. However, it's important to note that 'gacho' usually means 'ugly' or 'bad' in a general sense, and its use as a body part is very regional and informal. Another related term is 'corva', which refers to the back of the knee (the popliteal fossa). While English speakers might just say 'the back of my knee', Spanish has this specific word 'corva'. If you have a cramp or a pain behind the knee, using 'corva' shows a very high level of vocabulary mastery.

Me pica mucho la corva por el sudor después de correr.

Rodilla vs. Articulación: 'Articulación' is the general word for 'joint'. While the knee is an 'articulación', you would only use the general term in a scientific or very formal context.

La rodilla es la articulación más grande del cuerpo humano.

El caballero se puso de hinojos ante la reina (Archaic/Literary).

Clothing-related Terms: When talking about socks, 'calcetines de rodilla' or 'calcetas' refer to knee-high socks. This is a common alternative when the focus is on the garment rather than the body part.

Las niñas llevan calcetas hasta la rodilla con el uniforme escolar.

In conclusion, while 'rodilla' will serve you in almost every situation, knowing terms like 'rótula', 'corva', and the formal 'hinojos' allows you to understand more complex texts and speak with greater precision. Always start with 'rodilla', but keep these alternatives in your back pocket for specific scenarios.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word originally referred only to the kneecap bone, but over time it came to represent the entire joint in Spanish.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /roˈði.ʝa/

US /roˈði.ʝa/

The stress is on the second syllable: ro-DI-lla.

Rhymes With

sencilla pastilla mantequilla mejilla silla amarilla villa astilla

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'll' as an English 'l'. It should be a 'y' sound.
Rolling the 'r' too much. It is a single tap, not a long trill.
Pronouncing the 'd' too hard. It should be soft and breathy.
Incorrect stress on the last syllable: rodillá.
Confusing the 'o' sound with an English 'u' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a basic body part.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the double 'll' and feminine gender.

Speaking 2/5

The 'll' sound and soft 'd' require some practice for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

pierna cuerpo dolor la dos

Learn Next

tobillo muslo cadera arrodillarse articulación

Advanced

rótula menisco ligamento sinovial artroscopia

Grammar to Know

Definite articles with body parts

Me duele LA rodilla (NOT mi rodilla).

Reflexive verbs for accidental actions

ME lastimé la rodilla.

Noun-Adjective agreement (Feminine)

Rodilla HINCHADA.

Pluralization of nouns ending in vowels

Rodilla -> Rodillas.

Preposition 'de' for state/position

Estar DE rodillas.

Examples by Level

Me duele la rodilla.

My knee hurts.

Use 'la' instead of 'mi' for body parts.

La rodilla es parte de la pierna.

The knee is part of the leg.

'Rodilla' is a feminine noun.

Tengo dos rodillas.

I have two knees.

Pluralize both the article and the noun.

Dobla las rodillas, por favor.

Bend your knees, please.

Imperative form of 'doblar'.

El niño tiene una rodilla sucia.

The boy has a dirty knee.

Adjective 'sucia' matches feminine 'rodilla'.

Ella toca su rodilla.

She touches her knee.

Possessive 'su' is used here to show action on a specific part.

La falda llega a la rodilla.

The skirt reaches the knee.

'A la rodilla' indicates the level or height.

¿Dónde está la rodilla?

Where is the knee?

Basic question structure with 'estar'.

Me caí y me lastimé la rodilla.

I fell and hurt my knee.

Reflexive 'me lastimé' indicates the action happened to the speaker.

Él se puso de rodillas.

He got on his knees.

'De rodillas' is the standard phrase for kneeling.

Mis rodillas están cansadas.

My knees are tired.

Adjective 'cansadas' matches plural feminine 'rodillas'.

El pantalón tiene un roto en la rodilla.

The pants have a hole in the knee.

'En la rodilla' specifies the location of the hole.

Lávate bien las rodillas.

Wash your knees well.

Reflexive 'lávate' with definite article 'las'.

Siento un poco de frío en las rodillas.

I feel a bit of cold in my knees.

Use 'en las' for location within body parts.

La pelota me golpeó la rodilla.

The ball hit my knee.

Indirect object 'me' shows the person affected.

Camina sin doblar la rodilla.

Walk without bending your knee.

'Sin' followed by the infinitive 'doblar'.

Tengo la rodilla hinchada por el golpe.

My knee is swollen from the hit.

'Hinchada' is a common adjective for injuries.

El médico me examinó la rodilla derecha.

The doctor examined my right knee.

Use 'derecha' or 'izquierda' to specify which side.

Me operaron de la rodilla el año pasado.

I had knee surgery last year.

'Operar de' is the standard construction for surgery on a body part.

No puedo correr porque me falla la rodilla.

I can't run because my knee is giving out.

'Fallar' describes a body part not functioning correctly.

Él se arrodilló para pedir perdón.

He knelt down to ask for forgiveness.

'Arrodillarse' is the verb form of 'ponerse de rodillas'.

Usa rodilleras para protegerte.

Use knee pads to protect yourself.

'Rodillera' is the noun for a knee pad/brace.

Siento un pinchazo en la rodilla al saltar.

I feel a sharp pain in my knee when jumping.

'Pinchazo' is a specific word for a sharp, sudden pain.

La herida de la rodilla ya está cicatrizando.

The knee wound is already healing.

'Cicatrizar' means to heal/form a scar.

El tenista sufrió una rotura de ligamentos en la rodilla.

The tennis player suffered a torn ligament in his knee.

Technical sports injury terminology.

La artritis le está afectando seriamente las rodillas.

Arthritis is seriously affecting her knees.

'Afectar' followed by the direct object.

Se puso de rodillas ante la magnitud del desastre.

He fell to his knees before the magnitude of the disaster.

Metaphorical use of kneeling to show despair.

La falda debe quedar justo por encima de la rodilla.

The skirt should sit just above the knee.

'Por encima de' is a complex prepositional phrase.

Hincó la rodilla en el suelo para empezar a trabajar.

He knelt on the floor to start working.

'Hincar la rodilla' is a more formal way to say kneel.

Siento un hormigueo constante en la rodilla izquierda.

I feel a constant tingling in my left knee.

'Hormigueo' comes from 'hormiga' (ant), meaning pins and needles.

La rodilla es una articulación de tipo bisagra.

The knee is a hinge-type joint.

Technical anatomical description.

Me crujió la rodilla al levantarme del sofá.

My knee popped when I got up from the sofa.

'Crujir' is used for cracking/popping sounds in joints.

La intervención quirúrgica de rodilla fue un éxito rotundo.

The knee surgery was a complete success.

High-level medical register.

Se postró de rodillas en un acto de profunda devoción.

He prostrated himself on his knees in an act of deep devotion.

'Postrarse' is a formal verb for kneeling/prostrating.

El desgaste del cartílago de la rodilla es irreversible.

The wear of the knee cartilage is irreversible.

Specific anatomical nouns like 'desgaste' and 'cartílago'.

La empresa está de rodillas tras el escándalo financiero.

The company is on its knees after the financial scandal.

Metaphorical use meaning near collapse.

Cayó de hinojos ante la belleza del paisaje.

He fell to his knees before the beauty of the landscape.

'De hinojos' is a literary synonym for 'de rodillas'.

La bursa de la rodilla se inflamó debido al sobreesfuerzo.

The knee bursa became inflamed due to overexertion.

Technical medical term 'bursa'.

Es imperativo fortalecer el cuádriceps para proteger la rodilla.

It is imperative to strengthen the quadriceps to protect the knee.

Formal argumentative structure.

La rodilla cedió bajo el peso de la responsabilidad.

His knee gave way under the weight of responsibility.

Poetic use of physical failure to represent mental stress.

La biomecánica de la rodilla es un prodigio de la ingeniería natural.

The biomechanics of the knee is a marvel of natural engineering.

Academic and philosophical register.

Aquel suceso puso de rodillas a toda la aristocracia del país.

That event brought the entire country's aristocracy to its knees.

Figurative language in a socio-historical context.

La patología degenerativa de la rodilla requiere un enfoque multidisciplinar.

Degenerative knee pathology requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Highly specialized medical terminology.

Se arrodilló con la solemnidad de quien sabe que su destino ha cambiado.

He knelt with the solemnity of one who knows his destiny has changed.

Complex narrative structure.

El término 'rodilla' deriva del latín 'rotella', diminutivo de 'rota'.

The term 'rodilla' derives from Latin 'rotella', diminutive of 'rota'.

Etymological explanation.

La laxitud de los ligamentos de la rodilla puede predisponer a lesiones crónicas.

Laxity of the knee ligaments can predispose to chronic injuries.

Scientific causal relationship.

No claudicaré, aunque me obliguen a hincar la rodilla.

I will not give in, even if they force me to kneel.

Use of 'claudicar' and 'hincar la rodilla' in a defiant context.

La rodilla derecha presentaba una equimosis considerable tras el impacto.

The right knee showed considerable bruising after the impact.

Clinical term 'equimosis' instead of 'moretón'.

Common Collocations

doblar la rodilla

dolor de rodilla

rodilla derecha

rodilla izquierda

operación de rodilla

lesión de rodilla

rodilla hinchada

golpe en la rodilla

estirar la rodilla

pantalón a la rodilla

Common Phrases

de rodillas

— In a kneeling position. Used for prayer, proposals, or submission.

Se puso de rodillas para rezar.

caer de rodillas

— To fall onto one's knees. Can be literal or metaphorical.

Cayó de rodillas al recibir la noticia.

ponerse de rodillas

— To get into a kneeling position. Often used for proposals.

Él se puso de rodillas y le pidió matrimonio.

hincar la rodilla

— To kneel down, often implying starting a task or surrendering.

Hincó la rodilla para atarse los cordones.

hasta la rodilla

— Up to the knee. Used for measuring depth or clothing length.

El agua le llegaba hasta la rodilla.

por debajo de la rodilla

— Below the knee. Common in fashion descriptions.

La falda es por debajo de la rodilla.

por encima de la rodilla

— Above the knee. Common in fashion descriptions.

Usa pantalones por encima de la rodilla.

rodilla con rodilla

— Knee to knee. Implies being very close to someone.

Estábamos sentados rodilla con rodilla en el bus.

romperse la rodilla

— To break or seriously injure one's knee.

Se rompió la rodilla jugando al rugby.

sacudirse las rodillas

— To dust off one's knees after a fall.

Se levantó y se sacudió las rodillas.

Often Confused With

rodilla vs rodillo

A 'rodillo' is a roller or rolling pin. Don't use it for your body!

rodilla vs tobillo

A 'tobillo' is an ankle. Both are leg joints, but at opposite ends of the shin.

rodilla vs codillo

A 'codillo' is a knuckle or a joint of meat (like pork knuckle).

Idioms & Expressions

"poner a alguien de rodillas"

— To defeat someone completely or force them into submission.

La crisis puso de rodillas a la economía nacional.

Metaphorical

"estar de rodillas"

— To be in a state of extreme weakness or vulnerability.

El equipo está de rodillas tras tantas derrotas.

Informal

"no hincar la rodilla"

— To refuse to give up or surrender.

A pesar de las dificultades, no hincó la rodilla.

Formal

"pedir de rodillas"

— To beg desperately for something.

Te lo pido de rodillas, por favor ayúdame.

Informal/Emotional

"entrar por la rodilla"

— To be very difficult to understand or accept (rare/regional).

Esa lección no me entra ni por la rodilla.

Colloquial

"jugar de rodillas"

— To play with great effort or against all odds (sports slang).

El defensa jugó de rodillas todo el segundo tiempo.

Slang

"caerse de rodillas"

— To be extremely surprised or shocked.

Me caí de rodillas cuando vi el precio.

Informal

"vivir de rodillas"

— To live in a state of submissiveness or without freedom.

Es mejor morir de pie que vivir de rodillas.

Political/Literary

"temblar las rodillas"

— To be very nervous or scared.

Me temblaban las rodillas antes del examen.

Informal

"doblar la rodilla ante alguien"

— To acknowledge someone's authority or superiority.

Todos doblaron la rodilla ante el nuevo líder.

Formal

Easily Confused

rodilla vs rótula

Both refer to the knee area.

Rodilla is the whole joint; rótula is just the kneecap bone. Rodilla is used in 99% of casual talk.

Me duele la rodilla (general) vs. Se fracturó la rótula (specific bone).

rodilla vs corva

It is part of the knee.

Corva is specifically the back side of the knee joint.

Me pica la corva.

rodilla vs hinojo

It is an archaic word for knee.

Hinojo is also the word for 'fennel' (the vegetable). In modern Spanish, it almost always means fennel unless in old poetry.

Ponerse de hinojos (kneel) vs. Ensalada de hinojo (fennel salad).

rodilla vs rodillo

Phonetically similar.

Rodillo is a tool (roller); rodilla is a body part (knee).

Usa el rodillo para pintar.

rodilla vs babilla

Anatomical term.

Babilla is used for animals (like horses) or specific cuts of meat, not humans.

La babilla del caballo está herida.

Sentence Patterns

Me duele la [body part].

Me duele la rodilla.

Me [verb] la rodilla.

Me lastimé la rodilla.

Tener la rodilla [adjective].

Tengo la rodilla inflamada.

Estar de rodillas [preposition] [noun].

Estaba de rodillas ante el altar.

[Noun] de rodilla.

Cirugía de rodilla.

Poner de rodillas a [object].

La guerra puso de rodillas al país.

La rodilla es [adjective].

La rodilla es grande.

Doblar la rodilla para [infinitive].

Dobla la rodilla para saltar.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

El rodilla → La rodilla
Rodilla is a feminine noun. Many beginners assume body parts are masculine, but this one is feminine.
Me duele mi rodilla → Me duele la rodilla
Spanish uses definite articles (la) instead of possessive adjectives (mi) for body parts when the owner is the subject.
Estoy en mis rodillas → Estoy de rodillas
To say 'on my knees' in the sense of kneeling, the fixed phrase is 'de rodillas'.
Me rompí el rodillo → Me rompí la rodilla
Confusing 'rodilla' (knee) with 'rodillo' (roller). This can be a very funny mistake in the wrong context.
Rodilla izquierda herido → Rodilla izquierda herida
The adjective must agree with the feminine gender of 'rodilla'.

Tips

Article Usage

Always use 'la' with rodilla. Even if you are a man, the word stays feminine because the grammatical gender of the noun doesn't change based on the person.

The Soft 'D'

The 'd' in rodilla is between two vowels, so it should be soft. It sounds more like the 'th' in 'then' than the hard 'd' in 'dog'.

Rodillera vs. Rodilla

If you are talking about an object you wear, it's a 'rodillera'. If you are talking about the body part, it's the 'rodilla'.

Marriage Proposals

In Spanish, we say 'pedir la mano de rodillas' (to ask for the hand on one's knees). It's a very common romantic image.

Describing Pain

Use 'punzada' for sharp pain and 'dolor sordo' for dull pain in your rodilla when talking to a doctor.

Bending vs. Stretching

Use 'doblar' for bending and 'estirar' for stretching the rodilla. These are essential for exercise.

Submission

The phrase 'poner de rodillas' is often used in political news to describe a country or company in a weak position.

Double LL

Never spell it 'rodila'. The double 'll' is a single phoneme in Spanish and is necessary for the correct 'y' sound.

Length Reference

When shopping, use 'por la rodilla' to indicate you want something that ends exactly at the knee.

Protection

In manual labor, always ask for 'rodilleras' if you have to work on the floor to avoid 'dolor de rodilla'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'row' (ro) of 'dealers' (dilla) all kneeling down on their knees.

Visual Association

Visualize a 'ro-dilla' as a 'round wheel' (from its Latin root 'rota') spinning at your joint.

Word Web

Pierna Caminar Dolor Hincarse Rótula De rodillas Falda Deporte

Challenge

Try to use 'rodilla' in three different sentences today: one about health, one about movement, and one about clothing.

Word Origin

From the Late Latin 'rotella', which is the diminutive of 'rota' meaning 'wheel'.

Original meaning: Literally 'little wheel', referring to the round shape of the kneecap (rótula).

Romance (Latin)

Cultural Context

None, but be aware that 'de rodillas' can imply extreme submission which might be sensitive in political contexts.

Similar to English, kneeling is used for proposals and prayer, but Spanish uses the definite article 'la' more strictly.

Emiliano Zapata's quote: 'Prefiero morir de pie que vivir de rodillas'. The song 'De Rodillas' by various Latin artists. Soccer player injuries (e.g., Ronaldo or Falcao) often dominate the news.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

Me duele la rodilla.
No puedo doblar la rodilla.
Siento un crujido.
¿Necesito una radiografía?

At the Gym

Dobla las rodillas.
Mantén las rodillas rectas.
No bloquees las rodillas.
Lleva las rodillas al pecho.

Clothing Shop

¿Llega hasta la rodilla?
Es un poco corto de rodilla.
Pantalones con rodilleras.
Falda por debajo de la rodilla.

Religious/Formal

Ponerse de rodillas.
Estar de rodillas.
Rezar de rodillas.
Hincar la rodilla.

Sports

Lesión de rodilla.
Se rompió los ligamentos.
Vendaje para la rodilla.
Hielo en la rodilla.

Conversation Starters

"¿Alguna vez te has lastimado la rodilla haciendo deporte?"

"¿Prefieres los pantalones largos o por encima de la rodilla?"

"¿Qué haces cuando te duele la rodilla después de caminar mucho?"

"¿Crees que es difícil hacer yoga si tienes problemas de rodilla?"

"¿Alguna vez has visto a alguien ponerse de rodillas para pedir matrimonio?"

Journal Prompts

Describe la última vez que te caíste y si te hiciste daño en la rodilla.

Escribe sobre un deporte que sea duro para las rodillas y por qué.

Imagina que eres un médico y explica a un paciente por qué le duele la rodilla.

¿Qué importancia tiene la rodilla en los movimientos diarios que realizas?

Relata una historia donde un personaje tenga que ponerse de rodillas por alguna razón.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine: 'la rodilla'. This is a common point of confusion for beginners because many body parts are masculine, but 'rodilla' follows the standard feminine '-a' ending rule.

In Spanish, you usually use the definite article 'la' if the owner is clear. For example, 'Me duele la rodilla' is much more natural than 'Me duele mi rodilla'.

'Rodilla' refers to the entire knee joint, while 'rótula' is the specific medical term for the kneecap bone. Use 'rodilla' for everyday conversation.

You can use the verb 'arrodillarse' or the phrase 'ponerse de rodillas'. Both are very common and mean the same thing.

Literally, it only means knee. However, it is used in metaphors for submission, like 'poner a un país de rodillas' (to bring a country to its knees).

'Rodilleras' are knee pads or knee braces. They are used for protection in sports or for medical support after an injury.

It is pronounced like the English 'y' in 'yes'. In some countries like Argentina or Uruguay, it might have a 'sh' or 'zh' sound.

Yes, but for many four-legged animals, the technical term for the equivalent joint might be different, though 'rodilla' is often understood.

There aren't many common ones, but in some regions, 'gacho' is used informally. Stick to 'rodilla' to be safe and clear.

Simply add an 's' to make 'rodillas'. Don't forget to also change the article to 'las'.