me peino
/me peino/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I comb my hair" is translated into Spanish as me peino.
This phrase describes the act of tidying or arranging the hair using a comb or brush.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, me peino translates to "I comb myself". The verb 'peinar' is used reflexively to indicate the hair being combed is one's own.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses a reflexive pronoun me because the action is performed on oneself. To express the past tense "I combed my hair", use the preterite form me peiné. To express the future tense "I will comb my hair", use me peinaré.
How do you pronounce it?
/me peino/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say peino mi pelo instead of the more natural me peino or me peino el pelo.
Did you know?
- The verb peinar is also used in the phrase peinar la zona, which refers to 'scouring' or 'searching' an area thoroughly, like a police search.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say you are 'peinado', it doesn't just mean your hair is combed, but that you are 'well-dressed' or 'polished' in appearance.
- The reflexive me in me peino evolved from two different Latin sources: the accusative mē and the dative mihi.
Examples in context
- Me lavo los dientes, me peino.I brush my teeth, I comb my hair.This sentence shows how to list two daily grooming activities using me peino.Tatoeba #436494 by lukaszpp, translation #436493 by lukaszpp
- Me peino frente al espejo.I comb my hair in front of the mirror.
- Siempre me peino antes de salir.I always comb my hair before going out.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are getting ready for a party.
- LucíaYa casi estoy lista, solo me peino.I'm almost ready, I'm just combing my hair.
- DanielTómate tu tiempo, Lucía.Take your time, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Tú ya estás listo, Daniel?Are you ready yet, Daniel?
- DanielSí, ya podemos irnos.Yes, we can go now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
