calvo
/ˈkal.vo/masculine
The Italian word for bald is calvo, describing someone with little or no hair. Wiktionary also lists pelato.
Meaning: having little or no hair (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| calvo | /ˈkal.vo/ | masculine |
| pelato | /peˈla.to/ | masculine |
Both calvo and pelato are used to describe a person who is bald.
Which one should you use?
calvo is a more formal or clinical term, while pelato is the common, colloquial choice for everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on gender and number: calvo is the masculine singular, calva is the feminine singular, calvi is the masculine plural and pelata is the feminine singular form of the related word pelato. For the colloquial form, pelato is masculine singular, while pelati is the masculine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkal.vo/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While calvo refers to the state of being bald, pelato comes from the verb pelare, which means to peel a fruit or vegetable.
- The word calvo is a direct descendant of the Latin calvus, maintaining its form almost unchanged for two millennia.
- In some regional dialects, variations of pelato can be used to describe someone who is completely broke or has nothing left.
Examples in context
- Tom è pelato, vero?Tom is bald, isn't he?This sentence uses pelato to confirm someone's baldness.Tatoeba #5233511 by Guybrush88, translation #3417319 by CK
- Il Re di Francia è pelato.The King of France is bald.This sentence uses pelato to state a fact about the King of France.Tatoeba #702476 by Guybrush88, translation #702475 by CN
- Non voglio apparire calvo.I don't want to look bald.This sentence uses calvo to express a desire regarding one's appearance.Tatoeba #11698539 by Nuel, translation #11698538 by Nuel
- Il signor Bianchi è calvo.Mr. Bianchi is bald.
- Marco si è rasato completamente, ora è totalmente pelato!Marco shaved completely, now he's totally bald!
- Guarda chi è arrivato, il pelato!Look who arrived, the bald one!
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are talking about a family member.
- MatteoMio nonno è diventato completamente calvo.My grandfather has become completely bald.
- MartinaDavvero? Ma tuo padre ha ancora i capelli.Really? But your father still has hair.
- MatteoSì, ma temo di diventare calvo come lui.Yes, but I fear I will become bald like him.
- MartinaNon preoccuparti, Matteo, stai bene così.Don't worry, Matteo, you look fine as you are.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bald” translations and entries calvo, pelato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calvo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
