Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| taglio di capelli | /ˈtaʎ.ʎo di kaˈpel.li/ (word by word) | masculine |
| taglio | /ˈtaʎ.ʎo/ | masculine |
The term refers to the act of cutting hair. While the full phrase is used to be specific, it is very common to shorten the expression when the context of hair is already understood.
What does it mean word for word?
The word taglio is a masculine noun meaning 'cut' or 'the act of cutting'.
Which one should you use?
taglio di capelli is the complete phrase for 'haircut', whereas taglio is a shortened form used frequently by Italians once the subject of hair has been established.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both taglio di capelli and taglio are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtaʎ.ʎo di kaˈpel.li/. The word has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
When talking about getting a haircut, Italians more commonly use the phrase andare dal parrucchiere (to go to the hairdresser) rather than saying 'I am going for a haircut'.
Did you know?
- The word capelli refers specifically to the hair on the head. Using it in taglio di capelli distinguishes it from pelo, which describes the hair or fur on an animal or body hair.
- While taglio di capelli is the noun, the act of getting a trim is often called una spuntatina, which uses a diminutive form of the word for 'tip'.
- In Italy, the professional parrucchiere is often a center of social life, and a visit for a taglio typically involves a long conversation and an espresso.
Examples in context
- Bel taglio di capelli.Nice haircut.This sentence is useful for complimenting someone's taglio di capelli.Tatoeba #8785353 by Bethanielle, translation #6683350 by Eccles17
- Che te ne pare del mio nuovo taglio di capelli?What do you think of my new haircut?This sentence is useful for asking someone's opinion on a new taglio di capelli.Tatoeba #7279940 by Guybrush88, translation #6044523 by zumley
- Nessuno si accorse del mio nuovo taglio di capelli.Nobody noticed my new haircut.This sentence is useful for describing how a new taglio di capelli went unnoticed.Tatoeba #10145367 by Guybrush88, translation #10092664 by ddnktr
- Mi faccio una spuntaturaI'm getting a trim
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are talking at a cafe about grooming.
- AlessandroSofia, ti piace il mio nuovo taglio di capelli?Sofia, do you like my new haircut?
- SofiaSì, Alessandro, ti sta molto bene.Yes, Alessandro, it suits you very well.
- AlessandroGrazie, finalmente ho fatto un taglio di capelli decente.Thanks, I finally got a decent haircut.
- SofiaSì, si nota subito la differenza.Yes, the difference is noticeable right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “haircut” translations and entries taglio di capelli, taglio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (taglio, di, capelli) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
