Inklingo
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cráneo

/KRAH-neh-oh/

skull

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

The most common meaning of 'cráneo' is the bony structure that protects the brain, or 'skull'.

cráneo(noun)

mA2

skull

?

the bony structure protecting the brain

Also:

cranium

?

medical term

📝 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

  • calavera (skull (often depicted))
  • cabeza (head)

Common Collocations

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

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though many Spanish nouns ending in -o are masculine, 'cráneo' follows this rule perfectly. Always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' before it.

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

Figuratively, 'cráneo' can refer to intelligence or mental capacity, meaning 'brains'.

cráneo(noun)

mB2

brains

?

intelligence or mental capacity

Also:

head

?

mind/intelligence (figurative)

📝 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

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'cráneo' and 'cabeza'

Mistake: "Using 'cráneo' when you mean 'head' (the whole thing, hair and face included)."

Correction: 'Cráneo' is usually just the bone, unless you are using it figuratively for intelligence. Use 'cabeza' for the whole physical head.

⭐ Usage Tips

Informal Context

Only use 'cráneo' to mean 'brains' or 'intelligence' in very casual conversation. In formal writing, stick to 'inteligencia' or 'capacidad mental'.

✏️ 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

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.