Italian Phrase
Ti pettini i capelli?
Meaning
Literally, 'Do you comb your hair?' It asks whether the listener regularly combs their hair, often used to check grooming habits or before offering help.
When to use
Use this question when you want to know if someone already combed their hair, perhaps before a photo, before going out, or when offering to help them style their hair.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tipettiniicapelli?
Pronoun 'ti'
The clitic pronoun 'ti' means 'yourself' and is placed before the verb in questions, indicating a reflexive action.
Verb 'pettinare' (present subjunctive)
Here 'pettini' is the second person singular present subjunctive of 'pettinare', used after the interrogative particle to form a polite or tentative question.
Definite article 'i'
The plural masculine article 'i' precedes 'capelli' (hair) to refer to all of the person's hair.
Question mark
In Italian, the question mark is placed only at the end of the sentence; the opening question mark is not used.
🗨In Conversation
Ti pettini i capelli?
Do you comb your hair?
Sì, lo faccio ogni mattina.
Yes, I do it every morning.
✕Common Mistakes
Ti pettino i capelli?
The verb should be 'pettini' (second person singular) not 'pettino' (third person plural).
Ti pettini i capelli?
The noun is 'capelli' (hair) not 'capelli' with an extra 'e'.
Ti pettini i capelli
Missing the question mark can make the sentence sound like a statement rather than a question.
↔Alternatives
Ti sei pettato i capelli?
Did you comb your hair?
Hai già pettinato i capelli?
Have you already combed your hair?
Ti pettini i capelli adesso?
Are you combing your hair now?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, personal grooming is considered part of daily routine, especially before social events. Asking 'Ti pettini i capelli?' can be a friendly way to show concern or to offer assistance, but be mindful of personal space; some may find unsolicited grooming advice intrusive.