Spanish Conversation · Level 83
59 words
Spanish word
cano
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈkano/
Meaning
- adjectivegray-haired
Example
Mi abuelo es cano.
My grandfather is gray-haired.
More examples
Tiene el pelo cano en las sienes.
He has salt-and-pepper hair at his temples.
Core concept
A head showing a few white hairs but not completely white.
Common phrases
tener el pelo cano
have gray hair
pelo cano
salt-and-pepper hair
cabello cano
salt-and-pepper hair
Similar words
canoso: Has white hairs blended throughout, producing an overall gray or salt-and-pepper look.
encanecido: Appears gray or white as a result of aging, indicating hair changed over years.
blanquecino: Looks lightly whitish, as if dusted with a fine pale sheen rather than pure white.
Definition in Spanish
Que presenta hebras blancas repartidas en el pelo o el vello, indicando canas parciales.
Word origin
From Latin canus 'white, gray', cano entered Spanish alongside canoso and emphasizes scattered or partial whitening of the hair.
Usage tips
- Cano can sound slightly formal or literary in casual conversation, where tener canas or estar canoso are more usual.