corte militar
/koɾte militaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "buzz cut" is translated into Spanish as corte militar.
The term corte militar is used to describe a buzz cut, implying the short, uniform length typical of military grooming standards.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase corte militar literally translates to "military cut".
Which one should you use?
While corte militar is a standard way to describe the style, Rapado al cero is a popular way to request a cut where the hair is "shaved to zero". Additionally, Al rape is a shortened version of corte al rape used in informal conversations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Rapado al cero is used in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and Argentina.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾte militaɾ/
Did you know?
- Although it means 'cut' in corte militar, the word corte is also the Spanish word for a royal 'court'.
- The English word 'cut' and the Spanish word corte share a common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root *(s)ker-, which means 'to cut' or 'to sever'.
- In some regions, using the phrase al rape can be a slightly hyperbolic way to describe someone who is completely bald rather than just someone with a short haircut.
Examples in context
- Quisiera un corte militar por favor.I would like a military cut please.
- Él lleva un corte militar muy corto.He has a very short buzz cut.
- Me gustaría hacerme un corte militar.I would like to get a buzz cut.
- Ese corte militar es muy práctico para el verano.That buzz cut is very practical for the summer.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a hair salon.
- Alejandro¿Qué te parece este corte militar para mí?What do you think of this buzz cut for me?
- ElenaTe queda muy bien, Alejandro.It looks very good on you, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEs más fácil de mantener que el pelo largo.It is easier to maintain than long hair.
- ElenaTienes razón, es un estilo muy cómodo.You are right, it is a very comfortable style.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries corte, corte militar, militar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
