Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| capelli | /kaˈpel.li/ | masculine, plural, usually |
| capello | /kaˈpel.lo/ | masculine |
The word is used to describe the mass of filaments found on a person's head. While capelli is the standard term for a head of hair, you might use peluria when referring to fine or baby-like hair.
Which one should you use?
The singular form capello refers to a single strand of hair, whereas the plural capelli is the standard way to refer to the hair on one's head in general.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both forms are masculine. Capello is the singular form and capelli is the plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /kaˈpel.li/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular il capello to refer to a person's entire head of hair. In Italian, you should use the plural i capelli to refer to the mass of hair on the head.
Did you know?
- The Italian expression fare i capelli bianchi literally means 'to make the hairs white' and is used when someone causes you so much stress or grief that you age prematurely.
- In Italian, you cannot use capelli for body hair. Instead, you must use peli, as using capelli for an arm or leg would sound like you have a tiny head of hair growing there.
- In certain Italian culinary contexts, particularly regarding pasta, the term capelli d'angelo is used to describe very thin angel hair pasta.
Examples in context
- Si lava i capelli.He washes his hair.This sentence shows the use of capelli for washing hair.Tatoeba #7831489 by Guybrush88, translation #435026 by lukaszpp
- Si lavò i capelli.He washed his hair.Tatoeba #8163032 by Guybrush88, translation #7391768 by CH
- Ha i capelli neri.He has black hair.This sentence shows the use of capelli when describing hair color.Tatoeba #8482517 by Guybrush88, translation #8480949 by CH
- Ho i capelli lunghi.I have long hair.
- Vorrei tagliare i capelli.I would like to cut my hair.
- Mia madre ha i capelli biondi.My mother has blonde hair.
- La chioma di Medusa era costituita da serpenti.Medusa's hair was composed of snakes.
- Hai dei bei capelli!You have nice hair!
- Domani mi lavo i capelli.Tomorrow I'll wash my hair.
- Ho un capello fuori posto.I have a hair out of place.
- 1107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are talking about a new haircut.
- SofiaMi piacciono i tuoi capelli così corti.I like your hair so short.
- FrancescoGrazie, Sofia! Volevo cambiare look.Thanks, Sofia! I wanted to change my look.
- SofiaI tuoi capelli sembrano più lucidi adesso.Your hair looks shinier now.
- FrancescoÈ merito del nuovo shampoo.It's thanks to the new shampoo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hair” translations and entries capelli, capello, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
