calvo
/ˈkalbo/
The Spanish word for bald is calvo. If unsure, use calvo. Wiktionary also lists pelón and pelado.
Meaning: having little or no hair (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| calvo | /ˈkalbo/ | |
| pelón | /peˈlon/ | colloquial |
| pelado | /peˈlado/ | |
| pajla | /paxla/ (from spelling rules) | |
| calvorota | /kalboɾota/ (from spelling rules) |
The term is used to describe a person having little or no hair.
Which one should you use?
While calvo is the standard term for bald, pelón is a more colloquial option that is often used in a playful or slightly mocking way.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Calvo is the standard, neutral term. Pelón is a colloquial term used in informal settings, such as among friends or family.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, pelón is used casually. In some Latin American countries, the term pelado is used to mean bald. Note that in Mexico, the term calvito is also used casually.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person being described. Use calva for a woman and calvos for a group of bald people (masculine plural).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkalbo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, pelado can be used as slang to describe someone who is completely broke or has no money.
- The word calva can refer to a bald person, but it is also the specific term used for a bald patch on a mountain or a barren area of land.
- The word pelado describes being bald, but it also functions as the past participle of pelar, which means 'to peel' or 'to skin'.
Examples in context
- Tom no estaba calvo.Tom wasn't bald.This sentence is useful for expressing a negative state regarding the form calvo.Tatoeba #5141689 by albrusgher, translation #2239879 by CK
- Se está quedando calvo.He's going bald.This sentence is useful for describing the process of losing hair using the form calvo.Tatoeba #1923461 by marcelostockle, translation #1923385 by Spamster
- Él está bastante calvo.He is kind of bald.This sentence is useful for describing the degree of baldness using the form calvo.Tatoeba #5141699 by albrusgher, translation #3267380 by Ricardo14
- usted es calvoYou are bald
- ¡Qué tal, pelón!Hey there, baldy!
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are looking at a photo of a celebrity.
- Elena¿Conoces a ese cantante?Do you know that singer?
- DanielSí, es muy famoso pero es calvo.Yes, he is very famous but he is bald.
- ElenaEs verdad, Daniel.It is true, Daniel.
- DanielSu estilo es muy diferente.His style is very different.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bald” translations and entries calvo, pelón, pelado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
