pelar
/peˈlaɾ/
To peel in Spanish is pelar.
pelar is the verb used for removing the skin from fruits or vegetables. In certain colloquial contexts, it can also refer to the act of hair removal, such as shaving or plucking. For removing the skin or rind of an animal, the formal verb despellejar is used instead.
Meaning: to remove skin (verb)
Which one should you use?
While pelar describes the action of peeling, the noun used to refer to the skin of a fruit itself is cáscara or piel, rather than a derivative of the verb.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle pelado can be used as an adjective to describe something that has been peeled.
How do you pronounce it?
/peˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some regional slang, pelar is used to describe the act of ignoring someone or giving them the 'cold shoulder'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word pelado is used as a common slang term for someone who is completely broke or has no money.
- The English word 'pillar' is a linguistic sibling to pelar, as both share the same Latin ancestor related to the action of pounding or rubbing.
Examples in context
- Puedo pelar una manzana.I can peel an apple.This sentence shows how to use pelar to express the ability to peel an apple.Tatoeba #721577 by Shishir, translation #262241 by CK
- ¿No podés pelar una naranja?Can't you peel an orange?This sentence uses pelar in a question about peeling an orange.Tatoeba #1268865 by hayastan, translation #1324803 by CK
- Tengo que pelar las manzanas.I have to peel the apples.This sentence demonstrates the obligation to use pelar for peeling apples.Tatoeba #5029913 by don_ramon, translation #1744804 by Amastan
- Es importante pelar las zanahorias antes de cocinarlas.It's important to peel the carrots before cooking them.
- Por favor, quita la cáscara de la naranja antes de comerla.Please remove the peel from the orange before eating it.
- Tuve que despegar el papel pintado de la pared.I had to peel the wallpaper off the wall.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are preparing a salad in the kitchen.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿puedes pelar los pepinos, por favor?Daniel, can you peel the cucumbers, please?
- DanielSí, Elena, yo voy a pelar todo ahora.Yes, Elena, I am going to peel everything now.
- ElenaGracias, me encanta cómo lo haces.Thank you, I love how you do it.
- DanielDe nada, solo quiero terminar rápido.You're welcome, I just want to finish quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peel” translations and entries pelar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pelar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
