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A2 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

peinado

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips peinado in 30 Seconds

Explanation peinado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'peinado' as a basic noun related to personal grooming. You should know that it means 'hairstyle' and is masculine (el peinado). At this stage, you use it in very simple sentences like 'Mi peinado es bonito' (My hairstyle is pretty) or 'Me gusta tu peinado' (I like your hairstyle). It is often one of the first words you encounter when learning about parts of the body and daily routines. You might practice saying what color your hair is and how you style it simply. For example, 'Llevo un peinado corto'. The focus is on recognition and basic descriptive use. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just remember the -o ending usually means it is a masculine word. You might also see it in pictures of people in your textbook where you have to describe what they look like. It is a helpful word for making small talk or giving simple compliments to friends and family. Learning this word early helps you feel more comfortable in social situations where appearance is discussed.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'peinado' in more varied contexts, such as describing someone's appearance in more detail or talking about going to the hair salon. You will learn to use it with more adjectives like 'moderno', 'antiguo', 'complicado', or 'sencillo'. You also start using the verb 'llevar' (to wear) with 'peinado' to describe current styles. For example, 'Ella lleva un peinado de trenzas'. You might also learn the related verb 'peinar' (to comb) and realize that 'peinado' is the result of that action. At this level, you should be able to ask for a hairstyle at a 'peluquería' using simple phrases like 'Quiero un peinado nuevo'. You are also introduced to the idea that 'peinado' can be a past participle, meaning 'combed'. This is the stage where you start building sentences that connect your appearance to specific events, like 'Tengo un peinado especial para la fiesta'. Your vocabulary is growing to include things like 'el peine' (the comb) and 'el cepillo' (the brush), helping you distinguish between the tool and the result.

At the B1 level, you can discuss 'peinados' with more nuance, including talking about trends and personal preferences. You might use the word in the context of giving advice or expressing opinions about fashion. For instance, 'Creo que ese peinado no te queda bien' (I think that hairstyle doesn't suit you). You are also more comfortable using the word in different tenses, such as 'Me hice un peinado muy difícil ayer'. You begin to understand idiomatic expressions or common collocations like 'peinado de novia' or 'peinado de gala'. At this level, you can describe the process of styling hair using more specific verbs and adverbs. You might say, 'Me peinado cuidadosamente antes de la entrevista'. You also start to recognize the word in media, like advertisements for hair products or fashion blogs. Your ability to compare different hairstyles increases, using structures like 'Este peinado es más elegante que el que llevabas antes'. This level marks a shift from simple description to more active discussion about style and identity.

At the B2 level, you use 'peinado' fluently in a wide range of social and professional contexts. You can discuss the cultural significance of hairstyles and how they have changed over time. For example, you might write an essay about 'la importancia del peinado en la identidad cultural'. You are familiar with more technical terms related to hair styling and can describe complex procedures or styles with precision. You understand the subtle differences between 'peinado', 'tocado', and 'estilo'. You can also use the word metaphorically or in more abstract discussions about aesthetics. Your vocabulary includes terms like 'fijador', 'laca', and 'volumen' which you can easily pair with 'peinado'. At this stage, you are capable of following a complex tutorial in Spanish or explaining to a professional exactly what kind of 'peinado' you want, including details about texture and hold. You also recognize how 'peinado' functions in literature to describe a character's personality or social standing. Your command of gender and number agreement is now automatic.

At the C1 level, your use of 'peinado' is sophisticated and precise. You can appreciate the stylistic choices of authors who use 'peinado' to evoke a specific era or mood. You might use the word in professional discussions about fashion design, theater production, or historical research. You are aware of regional variations in how the word is used and the different cultural connotations of specific 'peinados' across the Spanish-speaking world. For example, you might discuss the 'peinado de fallera' in Valencia and its historical roots. You can use the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'Si no hubiera sido por el elaborado peinado que llevaba, nadie la habría reconocido en la gala'. You are also able to critique hairstyles in a more analytical way, discussing balance, form, and how a 'peinado' complements other elements of an outfit. Your vocabulary is rich with synonyms and related terms, allowing you to avoid repetition and express yourself with elegance. You understand the nuances of the word in formal speeches or academic texts.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of the word 'peinado' and its various connotations. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from a casual conversation to a highly technical or academic environment. You are familiar with the most obscure or regional uses of the word and can play with its meaning for rhetorical effect. You might use 'peinado' in creative writing to create vivid imagery or to symbolize a character's internal state. You understand the etymological roots and how the word has evolved within the Spanish language. You can discuss 'el peinado' as a sociological phenomenon, analyzing its role in gender expression, social rebellion, or political movements. Your ability to use the word is effortless, and you can seamlessly integrate it into complex, multi-clause sentences that demonstrate a high level of linguistic sophistication. You are also able to identify and correct even the most subtle misuses of the word by others, demonstrating a deep and intuitive understanding of Spanish semantics and syntax.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

peinado in 30 Seconds

'Peinado' is the Spanish word for 'hairstyle'.
It is a masculine noun (el peinado).
It can also mean the state of having combed hair.
It is related to the verb 'peinar' (to comb).

The Spanish word peinado is a versatile noun that primarily refers to the specific style, arrangement, or shape given to a person's hair. In its most fundamental sense, it is the result of the action of combing or styling. When you walk into a hair salon and ask for a specific look, you are asking for a peinado. It is important to distinguish this from the act of cutting hair, which is 'corte de pelo'. A peinado can be temporary, like a blowout for a party, or a daily routine like a simple ponytail.

Daily Use: In everyday conversation, you will hear people complimenting each other with 'Me gusta tu peinado' (I like your hairstyle). It covers everything from a messy bun to a complex braided arrangement.

Ella eligió un peinado muy elegante para la boda de su hermana el sábado pasado.

Beyond the physical hair on a head, the word can occasionally be used metaphorically in certain regions to describe something that has been neatly arranged or 'combed through' in a search, although this is much less common than the literal meaning. The cultural weight of a peinado in Spanish-speaking societies is significant, often reflecting social status, professionalism, or personal identity. For instance, a 'peinado relamido' refers to hair that is slicked back very tightly, often with gel, which can carry specific social connotations depending on the country.

Formal Contexts: In professional settings, having a 'peinado adecuado' (appropriate hairstyle) is often emphasized as part of a formal dress code.

El peluquero sugirió un peinado que resaltara las facciones de su rostro de manera natural.

No importa cuánta laca use, su peinado siempre se desarma con el viento fuerte de la costa.

Los peinados de los años ochenta se caracterizaban por tener mucho volumen y formas geométricas muy marcadas.

Después de correr la maratón, su peinado era un completo desastre, pero ella estaba feliz.

Artistic Expression: In fashion shows, the 'peinado' is considered an integral part of the artistic vision, sometimes taking hours to complete by expert stylists.

Understanding the nuances of this word allows you to navigate social interactions involving personal appearance with confidence and accuracy.

Using peinado correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its relationship with verbs like 'llevar' (to wear/carry) or 'hacerse' (to do to oneself). When you describe what someone's hair looks like right now, you often use the verb 'llevar'. For example, 'Ella lleva un peinado muy moderno'. This indicates that the hairstyle is her current state. If you are talking about the process of getting that hairstyle, you might use 'hacer' or 'crear'.

With Adjectives: Because 'peinado' is a masculine noun, all accompanying adjectives must be masculine: 'peinado corto', 'peinado largo', 'peinado rubio', 'peinado despeinado' (a messy hairstyle).

¿Qué tipo de peinado prefieres para la fiesta de graduación, algo recogido o el pelo suelto?

In more formal writing, you might see peinado used in descriptions of historical figures or literary characters to establish their persona. A 'peinado austero' might suggest a serious, no-nonsense character, while a 'peinado extravagante' suggests someone who seeks attention.

El actor tuvo que cambiar su peinado drásticamente para interpretar el papel de un soldado en la nueva película.

A pesar de la lluvia, su peinado se mantuvo intacto gracias a los productos de alta calidad que utilizó.

Comparisons: When comparing styles: 'Este peinado es más complicado que el anterior'. Use standard comparative structures.

Me gustaría intentar un peinado diferente cada día de la semana para ver cuál me queda mejor.

El peinado de trenzas es muy popular durante el verano porque ayuda a mantener la cabeza fresca.

Collective Reference: In plural, 'peinados' refers to a collection of styles: 'Los peinados de la época victoriana eran extremadamente complejos'.

Finally, notice how the word interacts with prepositions. You can have a 'peinado de lado' (side-parted hairstyle) or a 'peinado para atrás' (slicked back). Mastering these combinations will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

You will encounter peinado in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. The most common location is the 'peluquería' (hair salon) or 'barbería' (barbershop). Here, the word is part of the professional vocabulary used by stylists and clients to communicate desired outcomes. Stylists often have 'catálogos de peinados' (hairstyle catalogs) for clients to browse.

Fashion and Media: In fashion magazines and TV shows, 'peinado' is used to discuss trends. Phrases like 'el peinado de temporada' (the hairstyle of the season) are ubiquitous in beauty journalism.

En la alfombra roja, los críticos de moda siempre comentan tanto el vestido como el peinado de las celebridades.

Another frequent context is family life and morning routines. Parents might tell their children, '¡Vuelve aquí, que tu peinado está todo despeinado!' (Come back here, your hair is all messy!). It is a word learned early in childhood as part of grooming hygiene. In the world of performing arts, particularly theater and cinema, the 'departamento de peluquería y peinado' is responsible for historical accuracy and character design.

El peinado de época requería el uso de pelucas pesadas y muchos pasadores metálicos.

Si quieres un peinado que dure todo el día, te recomiendo usar una cera fijadora de buena calidad.

Social Events: At weddings, 'el peinado de la novia' is a major topic of conversation among guests, often being as scrutinized as the dress itself.

Mi hermana pasó tres horas en la peluquería para lograr ese peinado tan sofisticado.

Incluso con un peinado sencillo, ella siempre logra verse impecable y profesional.

In summary, whether you are watching a tutorial on YouTube, talking to a barber in Madrid, or complimenting a friend in Mexico City, peinado is the essential term for discussing how hair is styled and presented to the world.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing the noun peinado with the instrument used to style hair, which is 'el peine' (the comb). While they share the same root, they are not interchangeable. You use a 'peine' to achieve a peinado. Another common error is using the word 'pelo' (hair) when 'peinado' is more specific. While 'Me gusta tu pelo' means 'I like your hair' (the texture, color, or health), 'Me gusta tu peinado' specifically praises the way it is styled today.

Participle vs. Noun: Learners often forget that 'peinado' is also the past participle of 'peinar'. This leads to confusion in sentences like 'Él está peinado' (He is combed) versus 'Su peinado es raro' (His hairstyle is strange).

Incorrecto: Necesito un peinado para arreglar mi cabello. (Meaning: I need a hairstyle to fix my hair). Correcto: Necesito un peine para arreglar mi peinado.

Gender agreement is another pitfall. Since 'peinado' ends in -o, it is masculine. Beginners often mistakenly treat it as feminine because they associate hair styling more with women, saying things like 'la peinado' or 'una peinado bonita'. Always stick to 'el peinado' and 'un peinado bonito'.

Incorrecto: Ella tiene una peinado muy larga. Correcto: Ella tiene un peinado con el pelo muy largo.

Confusing 'peinado' with 'peluquero': El peinado me cortó el pelo. (The hairstyle cut my hair). Correcto: El peluquero me hizo un peinado nuevo.

Regionalisms: In some places, people might say 'tocado' for a very fancy hairstyle involving accessories. Don't use 'peinado' if you specifically mean the hat or floral piece on the head.

No confundas: 'Estar peinado' (state) con 'Hacerse un peinado' (action of styling).

Error de preposición: 'Peinado con trenzas' es mejor que 'Peinado de trenzas' en algunos contextos, aunque ambos se usan.

By being mindful of these distinctions—especially the difference between the tool (peine) and the result (peinado)—you will avoid the most common linguistic traps.

To truly master the vocabulary of hair and grooming, it is helpful to look at words related to peinado and understand their specific shades of meaning. While peinado is the general term for a hairstyle, other words might be more appropriate depending on what you want to emphasize.

Peinado vs. Corte: 'Corte' (cut) refers to the length and structure of the hair as decided by scissors. A 'peinado' is how that 'corte' is styled on a given day. You can have a 'corte bob' but style it in different 'peinados'.

Su peinado hoy es una coleta, pero su corte de pelo es en capas.

Another alternative is 'estilo', which is broader. 'Estilo' can refer to a person's general fashion sense, including their hair. 'Look' (borrowed from English) is also very common in modern Spanish, especially in urban areas and fashion contexts: 'Me encanta tu nuevo look'.

El peinado de trenzas africanas es una forma de arte que requiere mucha paciencia y habilidad.

Para la gala, ella prefirió un recogido, un peinado clásico que nunca pasa de moda.

Specific Styles: Words like 'moño' (bun), 'coleta' (ponytail), and 'tupé' (quiff/pompadour) are specific types of 'peinados'. Using these makes your Spanish more descriptive.

El peinado de cresta fue un símbolo de la cultura punk en los años setenta.

A veces, un simple peinado con la raya al medio puede cambiar totalmente la expresión de una persona.

By expanding your vocabulary beyond just 'peinado', you can describe people's appearances with much greater detail and cultural awareness.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"El peinado de la emperatriz era de una complejidad inusitada."

Neutral

"Me gustaría un peinado sencillo para la oficina."

Informal

"¡Qué chulo tu peinado!"

Child friendly

"Vamos a hacerte un peinado de princesa."

Slang

"Ese peinado está bien padre."

Fun Fact

The word 'pecten' in Latin also refers to a type of seashell (scallop) because its shape resembles a comb. This is why the scallop shell is called 'pecten' in biology.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /peɪˈnɑː.ðoʊ/

US /peɪˈnɑ.doʊ/

The stress is on the second syllable: pei-NA-do.

Rhymes With

cocinado dibujado cansado dorado pasado llegado hablado estado

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
Stressing the first or last syllable incorrectly.
Pronouncing 'ei' as 'ee'.
Forgetting that the 'o' at the end is short and clear.
Treating the 'p' as aspirated (with a puff of air).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to its common root.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the -o ending and agreement.

Speaking 3/5

The soft 'd' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

pelo peinar bonito llevar hacer

Learn Next

peluquería tijeras cepillo rizado liso

Advanced

estilismo vanguardia tocado fijador estética

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -o are usually masculine.

El peinado, un peinado.

Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun.

Peinados modernos, peinado moderno.

The verb 'llevar' is used for current physical states like hairstyles.

Ella lleva un peinado de trenzas.

The past participle can function as an adjective.

Él está bien peinado.

Use 'de' to indicate the type or owner of the hairstyle.

El peinado de María, peinado de novia.

Examples by Level

Me gusta mucho tu peinado.

I like your hairstyle very much.

'Me gusta' is used for singular nouns like 'peinado'.

¿Es nuevo tu peinado?

Is your hairstyle new?

Questions in Spanish use opening and closing question marks.

Mi peinado es muy simple.

My hairstyle is very simple.

'Simple' is an adjective that matches the masculine 'peinado'.

Ella tiene un peinado bonito.

She has a pretty hairstyle.

'Bonito' matches the masculine noun 'peinado'.

Él no tiene un peinado largo.

He doesn't have a long hairstyle.

The negation 'no' goes before the verb 'tiene'.

¿Cuál es tu peinado favorito?

What is your favorite hairstyle?

'Favorito' is an adjective modifying 'peinado'.

Hoy mi peinado está mal.

Today my hairstyle is bad.

'Está' describes a temporary state or condition.

Un peinado corto es fácil.

A short hairstyle is easy.

'Corto' and 'fácil' are adjectives describing 'peinado'.

Mañana tengo que hacerme un peinado para la fiesta.

Tomorrow I have to get a hairstyle for the party.

'Hacerme' is a reflexive verb phrase meaning 'to do to myself'.

¿Prefieres un peinado liso o rizado?

Do you prefer a straight or curly hairstyle?

'Liso' and 'rizado' are common hair texture adjectives.

El peinado de la actriz era muy moderno.

The actress's hairstyle was very modern.

'De la' shows possession (of the).

No me gusta este peinado, prefiero el otro.

I don't like this hairstyle, I prefer the other one.

'Este' (this) matches the masculine 'peinado'.

Ella lleva un peinado de trenzas hoy.

She is wearing a braided hairstyle today.

'Llevar' is the standard verb for 'wearing' a style.

Mi madre siempre tiene un peinado elegante.

My mother always has an elegant hairstyle.

'Siempre' is an adverb of frequency.

¿Cómo se llama ese peinado?

What is that hairstyle called?

'Se llama' is used for names or titles of things.

Necesito un peine para mi peinado.

I need a comb for my hairstyle.

'Para' indicates the purpose or destination.

Si cambias de peinado, te verás muy diferente.

If you change your hairstyle, you will look very different.

'Cambiar de' is a common phrase for changing something.

El peluquero me recomendó un peinado que me queda bien.

The hairdresser recommended a hairstyle that suits me.

'Quedar bien' means 'to suit' or 'to look good on'.

Ayer vi un peinado increíble en una revista de moda.

Yesterday I saw an incredible hairstyle in a fashion magazine.

'Increíble' is a strong descriptive adjective.

No es fácil mantener este peinado durante todo el día.

It's not easy to maintain this hairstyle all day long.

'Mantener' is the infinitive after 'fácil'.

Muchos peinados antiguos están volviendo a estar de moda.

Many old hairstyles are becoming fashionable again.

'De moda' is a fixed expression for 'fashionable'.

¿Crees que este peinado es apropiado para una entrevista?

Do you think this hairstyle is appropriate for an interview?

'Apropiado' matches 'peinado'.

Ella se pasó horas decidiendo su peinado de novia.

She spent hours deciding on her wedding hairstyle.

'Pasarse' + time + gerund is a common structure.

A pesar del viento, su peinado no se movió ni un poco.

Despite the wind, her hairstyle didn't move a bit.

'A pesar de' means 'despite'.

El peinado que eligió reflejaba su personalidad rebelde.

The hairstyle she chose reflected her rebellious personality.

'Reflejaba' is in the imperfect tense for description.

En la película, los peinados ayudaban a situar la historia en los años 20.

In the movie, the hairstyles helped set the story in the 1920s.

'Situar' means to place or set.

Es impresionante cómo un simple peinado puede transformar un rostro.

It's impressive how a simple hairstyle can transform a face.

'Cómo' carries an accent in exclamatory/interrogative sense.

Ella siempre experimenta con peinados vanguardistas y atrevidos.

She always experiments with avant-garde and bold hairstyles.

'Vanguardistas' is an adjective for both genders.

El peinado de raya al lado le da un aire más profesional.

The side-parted hairstyle gives him a more professional air.

'Le da' uses the indirect object pronoun 'le'.

Aunque el peinado era complejo, el estilista lo terminó rápidamente.

Although the hairstyle was complex, the stylist finished it quickly.

'Aunque' introduces a concession.

No soporto cuando mi peinado se arruina por la humedad.

I can't stand it when my hairstyle gets ruined by humidity.

'Arruina' is the verb for 'to ruin'.

Los peinados de los futbolistas suelen ser tendencia entre los jóvenes.

Soccer players' hairstyles tend to be a trend among young people.

'Suelen ser' means 'they are usually'.

La sofisticación de su peinado contrastaba con la sencillez de su vestido.

The sophistication of her hairstyle contrasted with the simplicity of her dress.

'Sencillez' is the noun form of 'sencillo'.

El autor utiliza el peinado descuidado del protagonista para denotar su decadencia.

The author uses the protagonist's neglected hairstyle to denote his decline.

'Denotar' means to indicate or signify.

Un peinado tan elaborado requiere el uso de múltiples fijadores y lacas.

Such an elaborate hairstyle requires the use of multiple fixatives and hairsprays.

'Tan' is used for emphasis before an adjective.

A lo largo de la historia, el peinado ha servido como un marcador de estatus social.

Throughout history, hairstyles have served as a marker of social status.

'Ha servido' is the present perfect.

Resulta fascinante analizar la evolución de los peinados en la corte española.

It is fascinating to analyze the evolution of hairstyles in the Spanish court.

'Resulta' is a more formal alternative to 'es'.

El peinado, aunque a menudo ignorado, es un elemento crucial en la caracterización teatral.

Hairstyling, although often ignored, is a crucial element in theatrical characterization.

'Ignorado' is the past participle used as an adjective.

Su peinado era una obra de arte, con intrincados patrones de trenzado.

Her hairstyle was a work of art, with intricate braiding patterns.

'Intrincados' matches the masculine 'patrones'.

A pesar de las críticas, ella mantuvo su peinado icónico durante décadas.

Despite the criticism, she maintained her iconic hairstyle for decades.

'Icónico' refers to something legendary.

La meticulosidad del peinado sugería una obsesión casi patológica por el orden.

The meticulousness of the hairstyle suggested an almost pathological obsession with order.

'Meticulosidad' is a high-level noun for detail.

El peinado se erige como una manifestación tangible de las tensiones estéticas de la época.

The hairstyle stands as a tangible manifestation of the aesthetic tensions of the era.

'Se erige como' means 'stands as' or 'emerges as'.

Cualquier peinado que desafíe las normas establecidas suele ser objeto de escrutinio público.

Any hairstyle that defies established norms is usually the object of public scrutiny.

'Desafíe' is in the subjunctive after 'cualquier'.

La semiótica del peinado en el cine negro revela mucho sobre la moralidad de los personajes.

The semiotics of hairstyles in film noir reveals a lot about the characters' morality.

'Semiótica' refers to the study of signs and symbols.

Su peinado, de una arquitectura inverosímil, desafiaba las leyes de la gravedad.

Her hairstyle, of an improbable architecture, defied the laws of gravity.

'Inverosímil' means unlikely or incredible.

El peinado no es sino una máscara más en el teatro de la vida cotidiana.

The hairstyle is but another mask in the theater of daily life.

'No es sino' is a sophisticated way to say 'is nothing but'.

La transición de un peinado sobrio a uno extravagante marcó el inicio de su carrera artística.

The transition from a sober hairstyle to an extravagant one marked the beginning of her artistic career.

'Uno' acts as a pronoun for 'peinado'.

En la disertación, se exploró el peinado como herramienta de subversión política.

In the dissertation, hairstyles were explored as a tool for political subversion.

'Se exploró' is the passive se construction.

Common Collocations

peinado elegante

peinado moderno

hacerse un peinado

peinado de novia

peinado sencillo

peinado de trenzas

cambiar de peinado

peinado de gala

catálogo de peinados

peinado despeinado

Common Phrases

Me gusta tu peinado.

— A common compliment for someone's hair style.

¡Qué guapa! Me gusta tu peinado.

¿Qué peinado quieres?

— A question a barber or stylist would ask.

Dime, ¿qué peinado quieres hoy?

Tengo un mal peinado hoy.

— The Spanish equivalent of 'I'm having a bad hair day'.

No quiero salir, tengo un mal peinado hoy.

Peinado para atrás.

— Refers to hair slicked or combed back.

Él siempre lleva el peinado para atrás.

Peinado de lado.

— Refers to a side-parted hairstyle.

El peinado de lado es muy clásico.

Estar bien peinado.

— To be neatly combed or styled.

Asegúrate de estar bien peinado para la foto.

Arruinar el peinado.

— To ruin the hairstyle (e.g., due to wind or rain).

La lluvia va a arruinar mi peinado.

Peinado con raya al medio.

— A middle-parted hairstyle.

Ese peinado con raya al medio no te favorece.

Peinado con mucho volumen.

— A hairstyle with a lot of volume.

Los peinados con mucho volumen eran populares en los 80.

Peinado para boda.

— A hairstyle specifically for a wedding.

Busco ideas de peinado para boda.

Often Confused With

peinado vs peine

Peine is the comb (the tool), peinado is the hairstyle (the result).

peinado vs pelo

Pelo is the hair itself, peinado is how it is styled.

peinado vs peluca

Peluca is a wig, peinado is the styling of hair (real or fake).

Idioms & Expressions

"ni un pelo de tonto"

— Not foolish at all. While not using 'peinado', it's a common hair idiom.

Él no tiene ni un pelo de tonto.

informal

"tomar el pelo"

— To pull someone's leg (to tease).

¿Me estás tomando el pelo?

informal

"con pelos y señales"

— In great detail.

Me lo contó todo con pelos y señales.

neutral

"ponerse los pelos de punta"

— To have one's hair stand on end (to be scared).

Esa película me puso los pelos de punta.

neutral

"por un pelo"

— By a hair (very close call).

Gané la carrera por un pelo.

informal

"no tener pelos en la lengua"

— To be direct and outspoken.

Ella no tiene pelos en la lengua.

neutral

"soltarse el pelo"

— To let one's hair down (to relax/have fun).

¡Vamos a la fiesta y suéltate el pelo!

informal

"venir al pelo"

— To come in handy / to be perfect for the occasion.

Este dinero me viene al pelo.

informal

"tirarse de los pelos"

— To be very frustrated or regretful.

Se tira de los pelos por haber perdido la oportunidad.

neutral

"pelillos a la mar"

— Let bygones be bygones.

Olvida nuestra pelea, pelillos a la mar.

informal

Easily Confused

peinado vs peine

Similar sound and root.

Peine is a physical object (comb). Peinado is an abstract concept or result (hairstyle).

Uso el peine para mi peinado.

peinado vs corte

Both involve hair and salons.

Corte is the act of cutting or the shape resulting from cutting. Peinado is the act of styling or the shape resulting from styling.

Me gusta tu corte, pero prefiero tu peinado de ayer.

peinado vs peluquero

Both related to hair.

Peluquero is the person who does the work. Peinado is the work done.

El peluquero me hizo un peinado.

peinado vs cepillo

Grooming tools.

Cepillo is a brush. Peinado is the style.

Necesito un cepillo para este peinado.

peinado vs tocado

Specific types of hair arrangements.

Tocado usually implies accessories or a very formal headpiece. Peinado is general hair styling.

Su peinado era simple, pero su tocado era enorme.

Sentence Patterns

Mi peinado es [adjetivo].

Mi peinado es simple.

Me gusta tu peinado.

Llevo un peinado de [sustantivo].

Llevo un peinado de trenzas.

Quiero un peinado [adjetivo].

Quiero un peinado moderno.

Este peinado me queda [bien/mal].

Este peinado me queda bien.

Me hice un peinado para [evento].

Me hice un peinado para la fiesta.

A pesar de [condición], mi peinado [verbo].

A pesar de la lluvia, mi peinado se mantuvo.

El peinado refleja [concepto].

El peinado refleja su estatus social.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily speech and fashion.

Common Mistakes

La peinado → El peinado
'Peinado' is a masculine noun despite hair styling often being associated with women.
Me gusta tu peine → Me gusta tu peinado
You are complimenting their hair style, not the physical comb they own.
Ella es peinado → Ella está peinada
Use 'estar' for states and match the gender of the person when using it as a participle.
Un peinado de moda → Un peinado que está de moda
While 'peinado de moda' is okay, 'que está de moda' is more natural for describing trends.
Hacer un peinado → Hacerse un peinado
When you get your hair styled or do it yourself, the reflexive 'hacerse' is more common.

Tips

Gender Check

Always remember that 'peinado' is masculine. Even if you are talking about a woman's hair, you must say 'un peinado bonito'.

Tool vs Result

Distinguish 'peine' (the comb) from 'peinado' (the style). You use the 'peine' to create the 'peinado'.

Soft D

The 'd' in 'peinado' is between vowels, so it should be very soft, like the 'th' in 'this'.

Compliments

In Spanish culture, complimenting someone's 'peinado' is a very common and polite way to start a conversation.

Verb Choice

Use the verb 'llevar' to describe a hairstyle someone has right now. 'Lleva un peinado de lado'.

Ending Sound

Make sure to hear the clear 'o' at the end to distinguish it from 'peinada' (the feminine participle).

Related Idioms

Learn idioms like 'tomar el pelo' to expand your overall hair-related vocabulary beyond just 'peinado'.

Workplace

Use 'peinado profesional' or 'peinado adecuado' when discussing dress codes.

Word Family

Learn 'peinar', 'peine', and 'peinado' together to reinforce the root 'pein-'.

Social Media

Search for #peinados on Instagram to see real-world examples and modern terminology.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'PAINTER' (pein-) who uses a brush to create a masterpiece on someone's head. That masterpiece is the 'peinado'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant golden comb (peine) sitting on top of a very elaborate hairstyle (peinado).

Word Web

pelo peine espejo tijeras peluquero laca gel belleza

Challenge

Try to describe three different 'peinados' of famous people using only Spanish adjectives.

Word Origin

Derived from the Spanish verb 'peinar', which comes from the Latin 'pectinare'.

Original meaning: To comb or card (wool or hair).

Romance (Latin root 'pecten' meaning comb).

Cultural Context

Be careful when commenting on 'peinados' related to cultural or religious identity to remain respectful.

In English, we often just say 'hair' to mean 'hairstyle', but Spanish speakers are more likely to use the specific word 'peinado'.

The 'peinado' of Frida Kahlo with flowers is world-famous. The 'peinado' of Elvis Presley (tupé) is iconic in Spanish culture too. 'Peinado' is often discussed in Spanish fashion magazines like ¡Hola!.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the hair salon

Quiero un peinado nuevo.
¿Qué peinado me recomienda?
No me gusta este peinado.
Hágame un peinado para una boda.

Complimenting a friend

¡Me encanta tu peinado!
¿Te hiciste un peinado nuevo?
Qué peinado tan original.
Te queda muy bien ese peinado.

Morning routine

Tengo que arreglar mi peinado.
Mi peinado está fatal hoy.
¿Dónde está el peine para mi peinado?
No me toma mucho tiempo mi peinado.

Watching a movie

Mira el peinado de esa actriz.
Los peinados de esta película son raros.
Ese peinado es típico de los años 50.
Me gustaría tener ese peinado.

Describing a person

Él siempre lleva el mismo peinado.
Ella tiene un peinado muy corto.
Es un peinado muy profesional.
Nunca he visto un peinado así.

Conversation Starters

"¿Cuánto tiempo tardas en hacerte tu peinado por las mañanas?"

"¿Alguna vez has tenido un peinado del que te arrepientas?"

"¿Cuál es el peinado más extraño que has visto en una pasarela de moda?"

"Si pudieras cambiar de peinado drásticamente hoy, ¿qué elegirías?"

"¿Crees que el peinado de una persona dice mucho sobre su personalidad?"

Journal Prompts

Describe el peinado que llevas hoy y por qué lo elegiste.

Escribe sobre un momento en el que fuiste a la peluquería y no te gustó el peinado final.

¿Cómo han cambiado tus peinados favoritos desde que eras niño hasta ahora?

Imagina el peinado del futuro. ¿Cómo crees que será?

Describe el peinado de una persona famosa que admires.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Es masculino: 'el peinado' o 'un peinado'. Siempre debe usarse con artículos y adjetivos masculinos.

'Pelo' es la sustancia física (hair). 'Peinado' es la forma en que se arregla ese pelo (hairstyle).

Puedes decir 'Me gusta tu pelo' (general) o 'Me gusta tu peinado' (específicamente el estilo de hoy).

Sí, se usa tanto para hombres como para mujeres. Un hombre puede tener un 'peinado corto' o un 'peinado moderno'.

Significa que tu pelo está desordenado o que no te has peinado todavía.

Se dice 'peluquero' o 'peluquera'. 'Peinado' es el resultado de su trabajo.

Sí, en contextos informales y de moda es muy común escuchar 'Me gusta tu look' refiriéndose al pelo.

Es un peinado especial, generalmente muy elaborado, que una mujer usa el día de su boda.

El verbo es 'peinar'. 'Peinado' es el sustantivo derivado de ese verbo.

Sí, es una forma muy común de describir un estilo de cabello trenzado.