plancha de pelo
/plant͡ʃa de pelo/from spelling rules
The English word "straightener" is translated into Spanish as plancha de pelo.
In Spanish, a hair straightener is referred to using terms that describe the tool as an iron for the hair. While plancha de pelo is a common way to say it, following the pattern of "iron for hair", the phrase plancha para el cabello is the go-to term in most Spanish-speaking regions.
Meaning: metal tongs used for straightening hair (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word plancha literally means "iron," referring to the tool used for ironing clothes.
Which one should you use?
If the context of the conversation already makes it clear that you are talking about hair tools, you may simply say plancha to mean hair straightener. However, it is better to use the full phrase plancha de pelo to be specific and avoid confusion with a clothes iron.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase plancha de pelo is mainly used in Spain.
How do you pronounce it?
/plantʃa de pelo/
Did you know?
- The word plancha can also refer to a 'slate' of candidates in a political election in several Spanish-speaking countries.
- The term plancha is also used in fitness to describe a 'plank' exercise, referring to the flat, straight position of the body.
- The linguistic history of plancha links it to the ancient Greek word 'phalanga', though the meaning has shifted significantly over millennia.
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes la planchita? Necesito alisar mi cabello.Do you have the straightener? I need to straighten my hair.
- Me encanta cómo me queda el pelo después de usar la plancha de pelo.I love how my hair looks after using the hair straightener.
- Necesito una plancha de pelo nueva.I need a new hair straightener.
- ¿Dónde dejaste la plancha de pelo?Where did you leave the hair straightener?
- Esta plancha de pelo es muy buena.This hair straightener is very good.
Example conversation
Elena is getting ready for a party in the living room.
- JavierElena, ¿has visto mi plancha de pelo?Elena, have you seen my hair straightener?
- ElenaEstá sobre la mesa del baño, Javier.It is on the bathroom table, Javier.
- JavierGracias, la voy a usar ahora.Thanks, I am going to use it now.
- ElenaNo olvides desenchufarla cuando termines.Don't forget to unplug it when you finish.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, pelo, plancha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
