pelirrojo
/peliˈroxo/masculine
The Spanish word for redhead is pelirrojo. Wiktionary also lists colorín.
Meaning: red-haired person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pelirrojo | /peliˈroxo/ | masculine |
| colorín | /koloˈɾin/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe a person with red hair.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pelirrojo is a compound formed from pelo (hair) and rojo (red), literally meaning red-haired.
Which one should you use?
Pelirrojo is the standard way to say redhead, whereas colorín is a more colloquial or affectionate way to refer to a redhead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the term colorado(a) is typically used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is pelirroja, and the masculine plural form for a group of redheads is pelirrojos.
How do you pronounce it?
/peliˈroxo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word colorado can mean more than just hair color. It is frequently used to describe someone who is currently blushing or has a face red from heat or exercise.
- While pelirrojo is a very logical construction of 'hair' and 'red', the word colorín is much more abstract. It is actually derived from the word for 'color' rather than a specific mention of hair.
- While pelirrojo is the standard term, using colorín can sometimes be perceived as teasing or mocking depending on the tone and context.
Examples in context
- Ella es una pelirroja encantadora.She is a charming redhead.
- ¡Mira a ese pelirrojito jugando allí!Look at that little redhead playing over there!
- Ese pelirrojo es mi primo.That redhead is my cousin.
- El pelirrojo de la foto es famoso.The redhead in the photo is famous.
- Busco a un pelirrojo en la multitud.I am looking for a redhead in the crowd.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at old childhood photos.
- Javier¿Quién es ese pelirrojo?Who is that redhead?
- MaríaEs un actor que conocí en Madrid.He is an actor I met in Madrid.
- Javier¡Qué pelirrojo tan simpático!What a nice redhead!
- MaríaSí, es muy divertido.Yes, he is very funny.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “redhead” translations and entries pelirrojo, colorín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colorín, pelirrojo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
