nudillo

knuckle

noun noo-DEE-yoh Rare

Origin: From Latin nodulus, diminutive of nodus ('knot').

Usage Note

Nudillo is masculine and typically used in the plural nudillos when referring to the knuckles of a hand. The double-l is pronounced as 'y' in most of the Spanish-speaking world (seseo regions included). It is related to nudo ('knot' or 'node') and nudoso ('knotty, gnarled'). The phrase golpear con los nudillos means 'to knock (on a door) with the knuckles'.

Examples

"Golpeó la puerta con los nudillos."

Natural Translation

He knocked on the door with his knuckles.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Spanish Subjunctive Explained Simply for Beginners

The Spanish subjunctive is a mood, not a tense — use it after a WEIRDO trigger plus que. Learn the one rule, the yo-form recipe, and the lines you already say.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish False Friends That Cause Real Embarrassment

Spanish false friends like embarazada and excitado don't mean what you think. Learn the trap words, the right ones to say instead, and how to stop guessing.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Roll Your Rs in Spanish (Even If You Can't Yet)

Roll your Rs in Spanish by building from the butter sound you already make, then adding airflow. A step-by-step method, minimal pairs, and self-check drills.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read