solo las puntas
/solo las puntas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "just a trim" is translated as solo las puntas.
This is the standard way to tell a hairstylist you only want a small amount of hair removed to maintain the current style.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'only the ends' (referring to the ends of the hair).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use the phrase Solo las puntas, por favor to say Just the ends, please. In Spain, the phrase Solo un repaso ligero, por favor can be used to mean Just a light touch-up, please.
How do you pronounce it?
/solo las puntas/
Did you know?
- While an English speaker says 'trim', a Spanish speaker might use repaso, which literally means a 'review' or 'recap', as if they are giving the hair a quick check-up.
- Depending on the region, a stylist might respond to solo las puntas by asking if you want to despuntar, a specific verb that means to trim just the ends of something.
- The word solo in this phrase shares the same Latin root as the English word 'solo', used when a musician performs alone.
Examples in context
- Solo las puntas, por favor.Just a trim, please.
- No quiero un cambio, solo las puntas.I don't want a change, just a trim.
- ¿Puedes cortarme solo las puntas?Can you just trim my ends?
Example conversation
Lucía is at the hair salon with her stylist, Mateo.
- LucíaHola Mateo, necesito un corte de cabello.Hi Mateo, I need a haircut.
- Mateo¿Quieres un cambio total de look?Do you want a total new look?
- LucíaNo, solo las puntas esta vez.No, just a trim this time.
- MateoEntendido, Lucía, lo haré con cuidado.Understood, Lucía, I will do it carefully.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries las, solo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
