cortarme el pelo
/koɾtaɾme el pelo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'cut my hair' is expressed as cortarme el pelo.
This phrase is used when you want to have your hair shortened or styled by a professional. You can specify the style by adding words like largo (long), capas (layers) or flequillo (bangs).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb cortar (to cut), the indirect object pronoun me (to/for me) and the noun phrase el pelo (the hair).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are expressing the general idea of 'cutting one's hair' without attaching it to a specific person, the reflexive pronoun changes to se to match the subject, forming cortarse el pelo.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾtaɾme el pelo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying cortar mi pelo. English speakers often mistakenly use the possessive adjective mi (my) instead of the indirect object pronoun me and the definite article el (the) when talking about body parts in Spanish.
Did you know?
- The word pelo is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'pile', which describes fine, short hair on animals or fabrics.
- While pelo is the standard word for hair on the head in this phrase, using cabello instead makes the request sound more formal or poetic.
- In some regions, saying me voy a cortar el pelo suggests a full grooming session including treatments or a shave, rather than just a simple trim.
Examples in context
- ¿Debería cortarme el pelo?Should I cut my hair?This sentence is useful for asking for advice about whether to get a haircut using cortarme el pelo.Tatoeba #5067873 by don_ramon, translation #3098671 by Hybrid
- ¿Ya es mi turno de cortarme el pelo?Is it my turn to cut my hair?This sentence is useful for asking if it is time for your haircut using cortarme el pelo.Tatoeba #1522977 by alexmarcelo, translation #9241100 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Cómo te gustaría que te corte el pelo?How would you like me to cut your hair?
- Me gustaría cortarme el pelo corto por los lados y más largo en la parte superior.I would like to get a short haircut on the sides and leave it longer on the top.
- Sí, por favor. Me gustaría tener un flequillo largo y barrido hacia un lado.Yes, please. I would like to have long bangs swept to the side.
- Necesito cortarme el pelo esta semana.I need to have my hair cut this week.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about their weekend plans.
- Alejandro¿Qué vas a hacer el sábado, Lucía?What are you going to do on Saturday, Lucía?
- LucíaVoy a la peluquería para cortarme el pelo.I am going to the hair salon to have my hair cut.
- AlejandroYo también quiero cortarme el pelo pronto.I also want to have my hair cut soon.
- LucíaEntonces deberías pedir una cita ahora.Then you should make an appointment now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, pelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
