cortarse el pelo
/koɾtaɾse el pelo/from spelling rules
To get a haircut in Spanish is cortarse el pelo.
This phrase is used to describe the act of having one's hair shortened by a barber or stylist. You can also use the alternative phrase hacerse un corte de pelo when referring to getting a specific haircut or style.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb cortar (to cut), the reflexive pronoun se (to oneself) and el pelo (the hair).
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that you are getting a haircut, you must use the reflexive pronoun that matches the subject (me, te, se, nos, os, se). For example, me corto el pelo means "I am getting a haircut."
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾtaɾse el pelo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying cortar el pelo without a reflexive pronoun. In Spanish, omitting the reflexive pronoun implies that you are cutting someone else's hair rather than getting one yourself.
Did you know?
- In some cultures, there is a superstition that cutting your hair on certain days of the week can bring bad luck or even negatively affect your health.
- The word pelo descends from the Latin pilus, which also gave rise to the English word 'pile' when referring to animal fur.
- While cortarse el pelo is standard, many speakers use the single verb peluquearse to describe the entire process of getting a haircut.
Examples in context
- Hola, quisiera hacerme un corte de pelo. ¿Tienen disponibilidad hoy?Hello, I would like to get a haircut. Do you have availability today?
- Buenos días, me gustaría arreglarme el cabello. ¿Cuál es el precio?Good morning, I would like to get my hair done. What is the price?
- Oye, quiero cortarme el pelo. ¿Conoces algún buen lugar?Hey, I want to get a haircut. Do you know any good places?
- Este fin de semana voy a arreglarme el pelo. ¿Quieres acompañarme?I'm going to get my hair done this weekend. Do you want to join me?
- ¡Hola! Necesito un buen corte de pelo. ¿Puedes recomendarme a alguien?Hi! I need a good haircut. Can you recommend someone?
- Él va a cortarse el pelo hoy.He is going to get a haircut today.
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.
