Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “sideburns” in Spanish. Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, studying the language, or simply curious, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to refer to sideburns, provide tips for regional variations, and offer plenty of examples to help you successfully navigate this vocabulary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
If you’re looking for a formal term to describe sideburns in Spanish, the phrase you’re seeking is “patillas”. While this term is universally understood and used in most Spanish-speaking countries, there are also a few regional variations worth noting.
Regional Variations
In some Spanish-speaking countries, you might come across a slight variation in the term for sideburns. Here are a few examples:
- “Bacalao”: This term is used in Mexico, particularly in the state of Veracruz.
- “Bigotes de gato”: Literally translated as “cat’s mustache,” this phrase is used in some parts of Central and South America.
- “Cortes”: In certain regions of Argentina and Uruguay, people might refer to sideburns as “cortes.”
Informal Ways
If you’re looking for a less formal or colloquial way to say sideburns in Spanish, there are a few alternatives you can use depending on the country or region. Here are some popular options:
- “Patilas”: This is an informal variation of the formal term “patillas.” Commonly used in Spain and some Latin American countries.
- “Mofletes”: Translated as “cheeks,” this term is often used to refer to sideburns informally in certain Spanish-speaking regions.
- “Pelos al lado de la cara”: When all else fails, you can simply describe sideburns by saying “hair on the side of the face,” which is understood across most Spanish-speaking countries.
Tip: When in doubt or if you’re unsure about the appropriate term, it’s best to default to the formal term “patillas.” This ensures you’ll be understood in any Spanish-speaking country.
Examples
Let’s now dive into some examples to help you better understand and apply the vocabulary for sideburns in Spanish.
Formal Examples:
1. Me gusta cómo le quedan las patillas al actor de la película. (I like how the actor in the movie looks with his sideburns.)
2. ¿Te has planteado dejarte crecer las patillas? (Have you considered growing your sideburns?)
Informal Examples:
1. A mí me encantan tus mofletes, te dan un aire muy atractivo. (I love your sideburns, they give you a very attractive look.)
2. Mi amigo se rapó el cabello hasta los “pelos al lado de la cara.” (My friend shaved his hair up to the sideburns.)
Remember, when choosing between formal and informal terms, it’s always essential to consider the context and the level of familiarity you have with the person you’re speaking to.
With this comprehensive guide on how to say “sideburns” in Spanish, you’ll be able to confidently communicate and participate in conversations involving this topic, no matter where you are within the Spanish-speaking world.
