pelado
“pelado” means “peeled” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
peeled, shaved
Also: bald, bare
📝 In Action
Prefiero las manzanas peladas.
A1I prefer peeled apples.
El niño va pelado para el verano.
A2The boy has a buzz cut for the summer.
Era un monte pelado, sin un solo árbol.
B1It was a bare mountain, without a single tree.
broke
Also: penniless
📝 In Action
No puedo ir al cine, estoy pelado.
B1I can't go to the movies, I'm broke.
Después de las vacaciones nos quedamos pelados.
B2After the holidays we were left penniless.
kid, guy
📝 In Action
Ese pelado es muy inteligente.
B2That kid is very smart.
Había un grupo de pelados en la esquina.
C1There was a group of guys on the corner.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pelado
Question 1 of 3
If you are at a restaurant and say 'estoy pelado', what are you telling your friends?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'pelar', which comes from the Latin 'pilare' (to strip of hair), derived from 'pilus' (hair). Over time, the meaning expanded from just hair to removing the skin or outer layer of anything.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pelado' the same as 'calvo'?
Not exactly. 'Calvo' usually means someone who is naturally bald. 'Pelado' often refers to someone who has purposely shaved their head or has a very short buzz cut.
Can I use 'pelado' for a naked person?
In some very informal contexts, yes, but it's more common to use 'desnudo'. Using 'pelado' for 'broke' is much more frequent.
Does 'pelado' change for women?
Yes! Use 'pelada' for feminine nouns or to describe a woman who is broke or has a shaved head.