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"Afeitar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to shave", and "depilar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to remove the hair from". Learn more about the difference between "afeitar" and "depilar" below.
afeitar(
ah
-
fey
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to shave
Para el verano, papá decidió afeitar al perro.For the summer, dad decided to shave the dog.
afeitarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
depilar(
deh
-
pee
-
lahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to remove the hair from
El tatuador depiló la zona donde el cliente se quería tatuar.The tattoo artist removed the hair from the area where the client wanted the tattoo.
b. to shave (with a razor)
Si te haces depilar las piernas, dicen que el vello vuelve a crecer aún más.If you have your legs shaved, they say the hair will grow back thicker.
c. to wax (with wax)
La esteticista depiló las piernas de Sandra con cera muy caliente.The beautician waxed Sandra's legs with very hot wax.
d. to pluck (the eyebrows)
En algunos centros depilan las cejas con hilo.In some salons they pluck your eyebrows with thread.
depilarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to shave (with a razor)
Me suelo depilar las axilas dos veces por semana con cuchilla.I usually shave my armpits twice a week with a razor.
b. to wax (with wax)
Me depilo las piernas solo cuando llega el verano.I only wax my legs once summer's here.
c. to pluck (the eyebrows)
Me depilo las cejas para darles una forma atractiva.I pluck my eyebrows to give them an attractive shape.
