calvo
/ˈkalbo/
The English phrase 'baldy' is translated into Spanish as calvo.
The term calvo is the standard way to describe a person with little or no hair on their head. When used as a noun to refer to a person, such as el calvo, it can be perceived as informal or slightly mocking depending on your tone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word calvo is used in both formal and informal settings, particularly in Mexico. However, if you use it as a noun to refer to someone, it may feel informal. Other options include the colloquial pelado or the informal, often friendly, pelón, which is frequently used among peers to mean 'baldie'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, calvo is a common term used in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word must agree in gender with the person you are describing: use calva for a woman. For a group of men or a mixed-gender group of bald people, use the masculine plural form calvos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkalbo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, using pelado to describe a bald person can also be a slang way to say they are completely broke or have no money.
- The word calvo is used in Spanish to describe mountains or hills that lack trees and vegetation.
- The word pelón is derived from the verb pelar, which is the same verb used when you peel a fruit or a vegetable.
Examples in context
- Mi abuelo es un pelón simpáticoMy grandpa is a friendly baldy.
- Juan es un pelón muy simpáticoJuan is a very friendly baldy.
- Ese chico tiene una cabeza de huevoThat guy has an egg head.
- Él es calvo.He is bald.
- Mi tío se ha quedado calvo.My uncle has gone bald.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at a crowd in a park.
- Daniel¿Quién es aquel señor calvo?Who is that baldy man?
- MaríaCreo que es el profesor de Daniel.I think he is Daniel's teacher.
- DanielNo sabía que era calvo.I didn't know he was a baldy.
- MaríaSí, perdió el pelo hace años.Yes, he lost his hair years ago.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry calvo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
