calvo
/KAHL-boh/
bald
The word 'calvo' describes the state of being bald or lacking hair.
calvo(adjective)
bald
?lacking hair on the head
hairless
?general lack of hair
,barren
?referring to land or mountains with no vegetation
📝 In Action
Mi tío es calvo y siempre lleva gorra.
A2My uncle is bald and always wears a cap.
Se quedó calvo cuando era muy joven.
B1He went bald when he was very young.
Esa montaña está calva por falta de lluvia.
B2That mountain is barren due to lack of rain.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Ser vs. Estar with Calvo
Use 'ser' if someone is naturally bald (a permanent trait). Use 'estar' if you are commenting on how someone looks now, or if they have recently shaved their head.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Calvo' and 'Calvo'
Mistake: "Using 'calvoso' to say someone is going bald."
Correction: There is no such word as 'calvoso'. Just use 'calvo' or the phrase 'se está quedando calvo' (he is going bald).
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Land
You can use 'calvo' to describe a hill or a patch of ground that has no grass or trees, just like a bald head!
As a noun, 'calvo' refers to a bald man.
📝 In Action
El calvo de la película es un actor muy famoso.
A2The bald man in the movie is a very famous actor.
¿Viste a ese calvo con gafas?
A2Did you see that bald guy with glasses?
💡 Grammar Points
Adjectives acting as Nouns
In Spanish, you can turn an adjective like 'calvo' (bald) into a noun just by putting 'el' in front of it ('el calvo' = the bald man).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: calvo
Question 1 of 1
If someone shaved their head for a movie role, which verb would you likely use to describe them right now?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'calvo' offensive?
Generally, no, it is a neutral descriptive word. However, calling someone 'un calvo' to their face can be rude depending on your tone, much like calling someone 'a baldy' in English.
How do I say 'bald spot'?
You can use the feminine version 'una calva' to refer specifically to a bald patch on someone's head.