coletas
/koletas/from spelling rules
The English phrase pigtails is translated into Spanish as coletas.
This term refers to hair that is tied into one or more bunches, typically located on the sides or the back of the head.
Which one should you use?
While coletas is the standard term for pigtails, if the hair is actually braided rather than just tied with an elastic, it is more accurate to use trenzas (braids).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is coleta, while the plural form is coletas.
How do you pronounce it?
/koletas/
Did you know?
- The word coleta comes from cola, meaning 'tail'. In Spanish, any hairstyle that gathers the hair into a single ponytail or pigtails is conceptually described as giving the head a 'tail'.
- While English speakers use 'pigtails' to imply a specific look, in many Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone's hair coletas can sometimes sound patronizing or imply the person is a young child.
- In some Latin American countries, a high ponytail is called a cola de caballo, which literally translates to 'horse tail'.
Examples in context
- La niña lleva dos coletas.The girl is wearing two pigtails.
- Me gustan tus coletas nuevas.I like your new pigtails.
- Ella se hizo unas coletas hoy.She put her hair in pigtails today.
Example conversation
Alejandro is helping Elena with her hair.
- Alejandro¿Quieres llevar el pelo suelto?Do you want to wear your hair down?
- ElenaNo, prefiero usar coletas hoy.No, I prefer to wear pigtails today.
- AlejandroEstá bien, yo te ayudo.That is fine, I will help you.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro.Thank you, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
