What does it mean word for word?
The verb teñirse is the reflexive form of teñir (to dye), which literally translates to to dye oneself.
Which one should you use?
While teñirse el pelo is the standard way to express this, you may also see teñirse el cabello used interchangeably. The word cabello is often perceived as slightly more formal or specific to the hair on one's head compared to pelo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Tirarse un tinte is an informal way to say dye hair used in some Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
When talking about hair, Spanish uses a reflexive pronoun (teñirse) and a definite article (el) instead of a possessive adjective (su) to indicate that the hair belongs to the subject. For example, you use el rather than su.
How do you pronounce it?
/teɲiɾse el pelo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the possessive adjective su when referring to body parts, such as in the phrase teñir su pelo. Instead, use the definite article el to say teñirse el pelo.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Quiero tiñerme el cabello de rubioI want to dye my hair blonde
- Me gustaría aplicarme un tinte capilar oscuroI would like to apply a dark hair dye
- Mi madre siempre usa una buena tintura de cabelloMy mother always uses a good hair dye
- Ayer me pinté el pelo de azulYesterday I dyed my hair blue
- ¿Dónde te echas el tinte?Where do you dye your hair?
- Mi hermano se puso un color de pelo muy llamativoMy brother dyed his hair a very striking color
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new look.
- JavierElena, ¿estás pensando en teñirse el pelo?Elena, are you thinking about dyeing your hair?
- ElenaSí, Javier, quiero un color más oscuro.Yes, Javier, I want a darker color.
- JavierTe verías muy bien así.You would look very good like that.
- ElenaGracias, iré a la peluquería el lunes.Thanks, I will go to the hairdresser on Monday.
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.
