How to Say "barren" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “barren” is “calvo” — use 'calvo' to describe land or mountains that are bare and have no vegetation, similar to how it describes a person who is bald.
Use 'calvo' to describe land or mountains that are bare and have no vegetation, similar to how it describes a person who is bald.
Learn more →Use 'estéril' when referring to land that is incapable of producing crops or supporting plant life, indicating a lack of fertility.
Learn more →KAHL-bohˈkalβo
Examples
Las colinas estaban calvas después de la sequía.
The hills were barren after the drought.
Mi tío es calvo y siempre lleva gorra.
My uncle is bald and always wears a cap.
Se quedó calvo cuando era muy joven.
He went bald when he was very young.
Esa montaña está calva por falta de lluvia.
That mountain is barren due to lack of rain.
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.
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).
estéril
Examples
La tierra árida se volvió estéril y no se podía cultivar nada.
The arid land became barren and nothing could be grown.
Calvo vs. Estéril for Barren Land
Learners often confuse 'calvo' and 'estéril' when describing land. Remember that 'calvo' focuses on the lack of visible vegetation (like a bald head), while 'estéril' specifically means the land cannot produce crops or is infertile.
Related Translations
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