Head and face
| Word | Word |
|---|---|
| head | hair |
| face | forehead |
| eye (pl. eyes) | eyebrow |
| eyelash | ear |
| nose | cheek |
| mouth | lip (pl. lips) |
| tooth (pl. teeth) | tongue |
| chin | jaw |
| neck | throat |
Upper body
| Word | Word |
|---|---|
| shoulder | arm |
| elbow | wrist |
| hand | finger |
| thumb | nail (fingernail) |
| chest | back |
| stomach / tummy | hip |
| waist | side |
Lower body
| Word | Word |
|---|---|
| leg | thigh |
| knee | shin |
| ankle | foot (pl. feet) |
| heel | toe |
| toenail | calf |
Tip Some body part words have irregular plurals: foot → feet, tooth → teeth. Most others add -s: arms, legs, eyes, ears.
Describing pain or illness
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I have a headache. | pain in the head |
| I have a stomachache. | pain in the stomach |
| My knee hurts. | pain in the knee |
| I've hurt my wrist. | injury to the wrist |
| I have a sore throat. | painful throat |
| My back aches. | dull pain in the back |
Useful phrases
| Question / Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| Point to your ___! | classroom instruction |
| Touch your nose. | following instructions |
| She has blue eyes and brown hair. | physical description |
| He broke his arm. | reporting an injury |
Real world: at the doctor's
When visiting a doctor or nurse, you must describe where it hurts: "I have a pain in my chest." "My right knee has been hurting since yesterday." "I've got a sore throat and a headache." — clear body-part vocabulary is essential in medical and first-aid situations.
Real world: sport and physical education
In PE lessons and sports: "Stretch your arms above your head." "Bend your knees." "Keep your back straight." "He twisted his ankle." — coaches and teachers use body-part commands constantly.
Practice Problems
What is the plural of 'foot'?
Show answer
feet
Name the joint in the middle of the leg.
Show answer
knee
How do you say you have a painful head?
Show answer
I have a headache.
What connects the hand to the arm?
Show answer
wrist