Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Cheek in Spanish
Mejilla · noun · meh-HEE-yah
The Spanish word for cheek is 'mejilla,' a feminine noun referring to the side of the face below the eye. The informal alternative 'cachete' is widely used across Latin America and is especially common with children. Cheek kisses are a fundamental part of greeting culture in the Spanish-speaking world.
Mejilla is pronounced meh-HEE-yah. The 'j' produces the Spanish guttural sound, and the double 'l' (ll) sounds like 'y' in most dialects.
Le dio un beso en la mejilla como saludo.
She gave him a kiss on the cheek as a greeting.
cheek in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for cheek, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| mejilla | cheek | meh-HEE-yah | Default, widely understood |
| cachete | cheek | informal, common in Latin America |
How Native Speakers Use Mejilla
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Greeting
En España, se dan dos besos en las mejillas al saludarse.
In Spain, people give two kisses on the cheeks when greeting.
Describing the Spanish greeting custom.
With children
Pellizca los cachetes del bebé con cariño.
She pinches the baby's cheeks lovingly.
Cachete is common in informal and affectionate contexts.
Cosmetics
Aplica el rubor en la parte alta de las mejillas.
Apply the blush on the upper part of the cheeks.
Makeup application instructions.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Mejilla
Confusing mejilla and mandíbula
Incorrect: Me duele la mejilla cuando mastico. (meaning jaw)
Correct: Me duele la mandíbula cuando mastico.
Mejilla is the soft part of the cheek. If you feel pain when chewing, you likely mean 'mandíbula' (jaw), not mejilla.
Plural formation
Incorrect: Tiene las mejilla rojas.
Correct: Tiene las mejillas rojas.
When using the plural article 'las,' the noun must also be plural — 'mejillas,' adding an 's.'
Lock in cheek Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
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See Mejilla used by native speakers
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Common Questions About cheek in Spanish
- What is the difference between mejilla and cachete?
- Mejilla is the standard, more formal term for cheek, while cachete is the informal equivalent widely used in Latin America — similar to the difference between 'face' and 'mug' in English register.
- How many cheek kisses are customary in Spain?
- In Spain, the standard greeting between friends and family involves two kisses — one on each cheek — starting with the right cheek, though this is a social custom, not an actual kiss on the skin.
- Can cachete also mean a slap?
- In some Latin American countries, 'cachete' can informally refer to a slap on the face (cachetada/cachetazo), though its primary meaning remains the cheek itself.