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"Cepillarse el pelo" is a pronominal verb phrase which is often translated as "to brush one's hair", and "peinarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to comb one's hair". Learn more about the difference between "cepillarse el pelo" and "peinarse" below.
cepillarse el pelo(
seh
-
pee
-
yahr
-
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.)
pronominal verb phrase
a. to brush one's hair
Carmina se cepilló el pelo después de secárselo.Carmina brushed her hair after drying it.
cepillar el pelo
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. to brush ... hair
A Maribel le encantaba cepillar el pelo a su hija.Maribel loved to brush her daughter's hair.
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peinarse(
pey
-
nahr
-
seh
)
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to comb one's hair
Péinate un poco antes de salir.Comb your hair a bit before going out.
b. to style one's hair
Deberías peinarte de una forma que te favoreciera más.You should style your hair in a more becoming way.
c. to get one's hair done
¿Adónde puedo ir a peinarme el día de la boda?Where can I go to get my hair done on the wedding day?
peinar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to comb
Tú ve arreglándote que yo peino al niño.Go on and get ready. I'll comb the baby's hair.
b. to style
¿Vas a salir esta noche? Yo te peino si quieres.Are you going out tonight? I'll style your hair if you like.
c. to do someone's hair
Me encanta cómo llevas el pelo. Me tienes que decir quién te peina.I love your hairstyle. You must tell me who does your hair.
a. to comb
Peinaron el bosque en busca del niño perdido.They combed the woods looking for the lost child.
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