Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cabeza | /kaˈbeθa/ /kaˈbesa/ |
feminine |
| chola | /ˈt͡ʃola/ | colloquial, feminine |
| coco | /ˈkoko/ | colloquial, masculine |
| marote | /maɾote/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| sabiola | /sabjola/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| sesera | /seˈseɾa/ | feminine, informal |
| tarro | /ˈtaro/ | colloquial, masculine |
| testa | /ˈtesta/ | feminine |
| shola | /sola/ (from spelling rules) | Central America, feminine |
The primary way to refer to the anatomical head is through the noun cabeza. You can also use the related phrase de cabeza to mean doing something headfirst or being upside down, or the verb encabezar to mean being in command of something.
Which one should you use?
While cabeza is the standard, general term, coco is a colloquial alternative often used in a playful or childish context. Other forms like chola, marote, sabiola, sesera, tarro, testa and shola exist.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
cabeza is the standard and most common term. sesera is considered informal, while chola, coco and tarro are colloquial. marote, sabiola and testa are also available forms.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Central America, the feminine form shola is used. In some other areas, chola or chola linda may be used as alternatives for 'head'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun cabeza is feminine and is used with the feminine article la, as in la cabeza.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈbeθa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word coco can simultaneously refer to a head, a coconut and the 'bogeyman' used to frighten children.
- The phrase de cabeza can be used to describe being completely infatuated or 'head over heels' in love.
- The standard word cabeza actually traces back to a Latin diminutive, rather than the primary word for 'head', which was 'caput'.
Examples in context
- Tom usó la cabeza.Tom used his head.This example shows the use of cabeza to describe using one's intellect.Tatoeba #3677279 by Seael, translation #3434255 by CK
- Se rapó la cabeza.He shaved his head.This example demonstrates using cabeza when discussing hair or grooming.Tatoeba #4275445 by SrTortuga, translation #2292578 by Hybrid
- Le dolía la cabeza.His head ached.This example illustrates using cabeza when describing physical pain.Tatoeba #579779 by Shishir, translation #302007 by CK
- El médico examinó su cabeza.The doctor examined his head.
- Ten cuidado, no te golpees el coco.Be careful, don't hit your head.
- Me duele un poco el coco después de la fiesta ruidosa.My head hurts a little after the loud party.
- Ellos apoyaron sus cabezas en los cojines.They rested their heads on the cushions.
- Me duele el lado derecho de la cabeza.The right side of my head hurts.
- Él giró la cabeza hacia la izquierda.He turned his head to the left.
- No puedo sacarlo de mi cabeza.I can't get it out of my head.
- 281 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are in the kitchen looking at a statue.
- Mateo¿Viste la cabeza de la estatua?Did you see the head of the statue?
- MaríaNo, no la vi.No, I didn't see it.
- MateoLa cabeza es muy grande.The head is very big.
- MaríaEs cierto, es impresionante.It's true, it is impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries cabeza, chola, coco, sesera, tarro, testa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabeza, coco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
