What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "they enchant me, your shoes" because the verb encantar functions similarly to the verb gustar.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the level of formality and the specific person you are addressing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you might express admiration for someone's shoes by saying Me fascinan tus zapatos or Están padrísimos tus zapatos. In Argentina, the term zapatillas is commonly used to refer to shoes or sneakers.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using sus instead of tus changes the phrase to the formal register.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying yo amo tus zapatos. While English speakers often use "love" for both people and objects, in Spanish, amo is used for loving a person, whereas encantan should be used when complimenting an object like shoes.
Did you know?
- The word padrísimo, used in Mexico to describe great shoes, comes from padre, meaning 'father'. In Mexican slang, 'father' evolved into a term for something cool or excellent.
- While encantan is used for shoes, the root word encantar also means 'to cast a spell' or 'to bewitch'. When you tell someone you love their shoes, you are literally saying the shoes have put a spell on you.
- The word zapatillas used in Argentina refers to sneakers, but in Spain, it can also refer to house slippers. This can lead to a funny misunderstanding if you praise someone's 'zapatillas' while they are wearing indoor footwear.
Examples in context
- Sra. García, me encantan sus zapatos. Le dan un toque elegante a su atuendo.Mrs. García, I love your shoes. They add an elegant touch to your outfit.
- ¡Carlos! Me encantan tus zapatos. ¿Dónde los compraste?Carlos! I love your shoes. Where did you buy them?
- ¡Che, Juan! Me encantan tus zapatillas. ¿Podrías decirme dónde las compraste?Hey, Juan! I love your sneakers. Could you tell me where you bought them?
- ¡Órale, Juanita! Me fascinan tus zapatos. ¿De qué marca son?Wow, Juanita! I love your shoes. What brand are they?
- Me encantan tus zapatos nuevos.I love your new shoes.
- ¡Oye, me encantan tus zapatos rojos!Hey, I love your red shoes!
- Me encantan tus zapatos de cuero.I love your leather shoes.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier meet at a coffee shop.
- Sofía¡Hola Javier! Me encantan tus zapatos.Hi Javier! I love your shoes.
- JavierGracias, Sofía. Son un regalo de mi hermano.Thanks, Sofía. They are a gift from my brother.
- SofíaTe quedan muy bien.They look very good on you.
- JavierQué amable eres, gracias.That is very kind of you, thanks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
