pies sucios
/pjes suθjos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dirty feet" is translated into Spanish as pies sucios.
This phrase is used to describe feet that are covered in dirt or grime.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pies (feet) and sucios (dirty).
Which one should you use?
Pies desaseados is a formal way to say dirty feet, while pies mugrosos is an informal way to say dirty feet. Pies embarrados is an expression used in various Latin American countries to describe dirty feet covered in mud or dirt.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Pies sucios is the most common term used in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single dirty foot, use the singular form pie sucio.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the feminine adjective sucias with pies, but because pie is masculine, the adjective must be sucios.
Did you know?
- The word embarrados shares a root with embarazo, which originally meant to be 'impeded' or 'blocked', much like how thick mud on the pies makes walking difficult.
- The word sucios comes from the Latin sordidus, which originally referred to a grayish color or 'drabness' rather than just the presence of dirt.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'dirty feet' is linked to the social custom of removing shoes immediately upon entering a home to keep the pies from tracking 'dirt' inside.
Examples in context
- Tengo que lavar mis pies sucios después de caminar descalzo en el jardín.I have to wash my dirty feet after walking barefoot in the garden.
- Mamá, mira mis pies sucios después de jugar en el parque.Mom, look at my dirty feet after playing in the park.
- No puedo creer que hayas venido con los pies mugrosos a casa otra vez.I can't believe you've come to the house with dirty feet again.
- Tengo los pies sucios por el jardín.I have dirty feet from the garden.
- No entres con los pies sucios a la casa.Don't come into the house with dirty feet.
- Los niños siempre tienen los pies sucios.The children always have dirty feet.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are at the entrance of their home after a walk.
- Elena¡Cuidado! Tienes los pies sucios.Careful! You have dirty feet.
- AlejandroEs verdad, caminé por el barro.It's true, I walked through the mud.
- ElenaLímpiatelos antes de subir.Clean them before going upstairs.
- AlejandroVale, lo haré ahora.Okay, I will do it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
