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cráneo

KRAH-neh-oh/ˈkɾa.ne.o/

“cráneo” means “skull” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

skull

Also: cranium
NounmA2
A simple, front-facing illustration of a human skull, typically white or bone-colored.

📝 In Action

Necesitamos una radiografía para ver si hay daño en el cráneo.

B1

We need an X-ray to see if there is damage to the skull.

El casco protege el cráneo en caso de caída.

A2

The helmet protects the skull in case of a fall.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • fractura de cráneo – skull fracture
  • hueso del cráneo – skull bone

brains

Also: head
NounmB2informal
A simple character's head silhouette with a bright, glowing lightbulb floating directly above it, symbolizing an idea or intelligence.

📝 In Action

Tienes que usar el cráneo para resolver este problema.

B2

You have to use your head (or brains) to solve this problem.

Ese chico es un cráneo para la física.

C1

That kid is a genius (or a brain) when it comes to physics.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser un cráneo – to be very smart or a genius

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "cráneo" in Spanish:

cranium→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cráneo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'cráneo' in its literal, anatomical sense?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
craneal(cranial) — Adjective
craneología(craniology (study of skulls)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
oceánocontemporáneo
📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Latin word *cranium*, which itself was borrowed from the ancient Greek word *kranion*. Both meant 'head' or 'skull,' showing its long history as a term for the protective bone structure.

First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

English: craniumItalian: cranio

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'cráneo' and 'cabeza'?

'Cráneo' specifically refers to the bony part of the head (the skull). 'Cabeza' is the general word for the entire head, including the face, hair, and brain inside.

Is 'cráneo' a common word?

Yes, its literal meaning (skull) is common in medical and safety contexts. Its figurative meaning (intelligence) is less frequent and mostly used in casual, informal conversations.