pelo despeinado
/pelo despeinado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "messy hair" is translated into Spanish as pelo despeinado.
The phrase is used to describe hair that is untidy or has not been combed. You can also use cabello despeinado to refer to the hair on one's head, which can sound slightly more specific.
Which one should you use?
While pelo despeinado describes the state of the hair, the reflexive verb despeinarse is used when you want to describe the action of getting one's hair messy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase greñas enmarañadas is used to describe hair that is both tangled and messy.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because pelo is a masculine singular noun, the adjective despeinado must also remain in the masculine singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/pelo despeinado/
Did you know?
- The root of despeinado comes from peine, meaning 'comb', so the word literally describes hair that has been 'un-combed'.
- In Spanish, the word pelo is used for both human hair and animal fur, unlike English which distinguishes between the two.
- The word pelo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pile', which refers to the fine, short hair or nap found on animals or fabrics.
Examples in context
- Su cabello estaba ligeramente despeinado por el viento.Her hair was slightly messy due to the wind.
- El peinado de la modelo tenía un aspecto alborotado pero muy chic.The model's hairstyle had a tousled but very chic look.
- ¡Mira ese pelo despelucado! Parece que acaba de levantarse.Look at that messy hair! It looks like they just rolled out of bed.
- No te preocupes por tu peinado desordenado, ¡le da un toque de estilo!Don't worry about your messy hair, it gives you a stylish touch!
- Tienes el pelo muy despeinado.You have very messy hair.
- No me gusta mi pelo despeinado.I don't like my messy hair.
- Él tiene el pelo despeinado por el viento.He has messy hair from the wind.
Example conversation
Alejandro is looking at Elena in the mirror before leaving.
- AlejandroElena, tienes el pelo despeinado.Elena, you have messy hair.
- Elena¿De verdad? Es por el viento.Really? It is because of the wind.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, te ves bien.Don't worry, you look good.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro.Thanks, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
