pelo pelirrojo
/pelo peliroxo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "ginger hair" is translated as pelo pelirrojo.
This phrase describes hair that is naturally red or orange in color. You can use the phrase tener el pelo pelirrojo to say someone has ginger hair, or you can use the verb ser with the adjective form (ser pelirrojo/a) to say someone "is a redhead".
What does it mean word for word?
The word pelirrojo is a compound of peli- (derived from pelo, meaning hair) and rojo (meaning red).
Did you know?
- The word pelo and the English word 'pile' (as in a carpet's pile) share the same Proto-Indo-European root, referring to fine, short hair.
- In historical Spanish literature, being pelirrojo was sometimes associated with deceit or lack of trust, similar to old prejudices found in other European cultures.
- While pelirrojo is a neutral description, using the term rufo to describe a redhead can sound old-fashioned or even slightly insulting depending on the region.
Examples in context
- Mi hermana tiene el pelo pelirrojo.My sister has ginger hair.This sentence demonstrates how to use pelo pelirrojo to describe a family member's hair.Tatoeba #10741933 by carlosalberto, translation #10741883 by carlosalberto
- pelo pelirrojo brillanteBright ginger hair
- Me gusta tu pelo coloradoI like your ginger hair
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a new coworker.
- Alejandro¿Cómo es el nuevo chico?What is the new guy like?
- SofíaEs muy amable y tiene el pelo pelirrojo.He is very kind and has ginger hair.
- AlejandroAh, ahora ya sé quién es.Ah, now I know who it is.
- SofíaSí, es fácil de reconocer.Yes, he is easy to recognize.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pelirrojo, pelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
