rizo
/ˈriθo/
The Spanish word for 'curl' is rizo.
If you want to describe the action of making something into a curl or a spiral, use the verb rizar. Other terms can describe specific types of curls: tirabuzón refers specifically to a corkscrew or spiral-shaped curl, while churro is used colloquially to describe hair that is very curly or tightly coiled.
Meaning: to make into a curl or spiral (verb)
Which one should you use?
rizo is the noun for the curl itself, whereas rizar is the verb used to describe the act of curling something. For specific shapes, you might use tirabuzón for a corkscrew spiral.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun is rizos. To express the action of curling, use the verb rizar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈriθo/
Did you know?
- While rizar means to curl, the expression rizar el agua describes something so impossible that it is used to denote a futile effort.
- The Spanish word for a 'curl' shares its roots with the word for a 'hedgehog', which is erizo.
- In some Spanish speaking countries, the word churro describes a tight hair curl but is most famous as a fried pastry. This creates a playful double meaning when describing hair that looks like the snack.
Examples in context
- un rizo sueltoA loose curl
- Ella se riza el pelo.She curls her hair.
Example conversation
Javier is helping Lucía style her hair.
- JavierLucía, ¿quieres que te haga un rizo aquí?Lucía, do you want me to make a curl here?
- LucíaSí, Javier, por favor hazlo más pequeño.Yes, Javier, please make it smaller.
- JavierListo, ahora este rizo se ve muy bien.Done, now this curl looks very good.
- LucíaMe encanta cómo quedó, gracias.I love how it turned out, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rizo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rizo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
