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"Afeitarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to shave", and "cortarse el pelo" is a pronominal verb phrase which is often translated as "to have one's hair cut". Learn more about the difference between "afeitarse" and "cortarse el pelo" below.
afeitarse(
ah
-
fey
-
tahr
-
seh
)A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
afeitar
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.
cortarse el pelo(
kohr
-
tahr
-
seh
ehl
peh
-
loh
)A pronominal verb phrase combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Se dio cuenta del problema.)
1. (general)
a. to have one's hair cut
Tengo que cortarme el pelo. Ya está demasiado largo.I need to have my hair cut. It's too long.
b. to get a haircut
Antes de ir a la entrevista, voy a ir a la peluquería a cortarme el pelo.Before my interview, I'm going to the barbershop to get a haircut.
c. to cut my hair
Durante el confinamiento me corté el pelo yo misma.During the lockdown, I cut my own hair.
