Spanish word

jeta

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈxeta/

Meaning

  • feminine nounface

Example

Se le manchó la jeta con pintura.

His face got stained with paint.

Illustration for jeta (face)

More examples

Se secó la jeta con la manga después de comer.

He wiped his face with his sleeve after eating.

Core concept

An audacious face.

Common phrases

  • lavarse la jeta

    wash one's face

  • secarse la jeta

    wipe one's face

  • un golpe en la jeta

    a blow to the face

Similar words

cara: Neutral, general reference to the whole face.
rostro: Formal or literary word for the face used in serious contexts.
morro: Colloquial face referring especially to the mouth and nose area.

Definition in Spanish

Palabra familiar que significa rostro; figuradamente, se usa para señalar a alguien con mucha caradura o descaro.

Word origin

The word comes from colloquial usage for face and develops a figurative sense of boldness that labels someone shameless.

Usage tips

  • As a noun (un jeta/una jeta) jeta usually insults or teases a person rather than expressing mild affection, unlike the English 'cheeky' in friendly contexts.

Other meanings

  • impudencenoun
  • cheeky personnoun

Related words

  • jetónimpudent personnoun

Word lists with this word