cabello (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"Cabello" is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/caˈβeʎo/

Translation Options into English

1. Hair
2. Fur (in some specific contexts)

Meaning and Usage

• Meaning: "Cabello" refers specifically to the hair on the human head, used to describe the strands composed of keratin that grow from the scalp.
• Usage in Spanish: It is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, but is particularly prevalent in discussions about personal grooming, beauty, and health. It is roughly interchangeable with the word "pelo," although "cabello" is sometimes associated with more formal or literary contexts.
• Frequency of Use: The term is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, especially in conversations about hairstyles, hair care products, and health.

Example Sentences

1. El cabello de María es muy largo y brillante.
   (María's hair is very long and shiny.)

2. Es importante cuidar el cabello para mantenerlo saludable.
   (It is important to take care of your hair to keep it healthy.)

3. Ella decidió cambiar de color su cabello para la fiesta.
   (She decided to change the color of her hair for the party.)

Idiomatic Expressions

"Cabello" appears in various idiomatic expressions in the Spanish language:

• "Estar de cabello": Refers to being in good health or condition.

• Example: Después de unas vacaciones, estoy de cabello.
  (After the vacation, I am in good shape.)

• "No tener ni un cabello": To be completely broke or without any money.

• Example: No tengo ni un cabello para salir esta noche.
  (I don’t have a penny to go out tonight.)

• "A darle al cabello": To repeat something often, especially in a tiresome way.

• Example: Ya basta de darle al cabello sobre el mismo tema.
  (Enough with going over the same topic.)

• "Peinar el cabello": To manage or handle a situation (literally: to comb hair).

• Example: El director tiene que peinar el cabello en esta crisis.
  (The director needs to manage this crisis.)

Etymology

The word "cabello" comes from the Latin word "capillus," which also means "hair." Over time, it evolved in the Spanish language while retaining its association with hair.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Pelo, cabellera, pelo humano.
• Antonyms: Calvo (bald), sin cabello (without hair).

In summary, "cabello" is a versatile word in Spanish with rich idiomatic uses, emphasizing its prevalence in everyday language related to health, beauty, and identity.