What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb teñir (to dye), the reflexive pronoun te (yourself) and el pelo (the hair).
Which one should you use?
While pelo is a common way to refer to hair, you can use cabello to refer specifically to the hair on the head, which often sounds slightly more formal or precise. For example, teñirse el cabello is a more precise variation.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase in a general sense or with a different subject, the reflexive pronoun changes to match the subject. For example, you would use se tiñe el pelo for 'he/she dyes his/her hair'.
How do you pronounce it?
/teɲiɾte el pelo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying teñir tu pelo. In Spanish, when talking about body parts, you should use the reflexive pronoun and the definite article instead of the possessive adjective 'tu' (your).
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the act of dyeing hair blonde is colloquially called decolorarse, which literally means 'to lose color'.
- The English word 'pile', used to describe a collection of fine hair or fur, shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root as the Spanish word pelo.
- The Spanish word tinte, used for hair dye, also refers to a 'tint' or 'hue' when discussing art and painting.
Examples in context
- Si deseas cambiar tu apariencia, puedes tintar tu cabello de otro color.If you want to change your appearance, you can dye your hair a different color.
- El estilista profesional utilizó productos de calidad para colorear su cabello de forma natural.The professional stylist used quality products to dye her hair naturally.
- No puedo esperar para pintarme el pelo de azul. ¡Creo que se verá genial!I can't wait to dye my hair blue. I think it will look awesome!
- Mi hermana decidió cambiar el color de su pelo. Ahora tiene el cabello rojo intenso.My sister decided to change her hair color. Now she has intense red hair.
- Vas a teñirte el pelo de rojo.You are going to dye your hair red.
- ¿Cuándo piensas teñirte el pelo otra vez?When do you plan to dye your hair again?
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about a new look.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿estás pensando en teñirte el pelo?Alejandro, are you thinking about dyeing your hair?
- AlejandroSí, quiero probar un color diferente.Yes, I want to try a different color.
- Elena¡Qué bien! Te quedaría muy bien el rojo.That's great! Red would look very good on you.
- AlejandroGracias, Elena. Iré mañana mismo.Thanks, Elena. I'll go tomorrow.
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.
