leggings
/leɡxinɡs/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'leggings' can be translated into Spanish as leggings.
To describe skin-tight trousers made from stretchy fabric that cover the legs from the waist to the ankles, you can use several different terms depending on the context. While many people use the English loanword, the most common way to refer to them in Spanish is mallas. If you are specifically talking about athletic or yoga leggings, the phrase mallas de yoga is frequently used.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the level of formality and your location. mallas is the most common term, while Pantalones elásticos is a formal way to describe them. In fitness and fashion contexts, the English loanword leggings is often used colloquially. In certain Latin American countries like Argentina, you may hear the term calzas.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual fashion and fitness settings, the English word leggings is often used. For a more formal description, you can use Pantalones elásticos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, such as Argentina, the term calzas is used to describe leggings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The common term mallas is a feminine noun and is typically used in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/leɡxinɡs/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word mallas is used to describe both athletic leggings and the 'chainmail' armor worn by medieval knights.
- Depending on where you are, saying mallas might result in someone thinking you are talking about a 'swimsuit' rather than leggings.
- While calzas is common for leggings in Argentina, the word historically refers to 'hose' or stockings worn by men and women in the Middle Ages.
Examples in context
- Me encanta usar leggins durante mis clases de yoga.I love wearing leggings during my yoga classes.
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar leggins de buena calidad?Where can I buy good-quality leggings?
- En España, mucha gente usa leggins como parte de su vestimenta diaria.In Spain, many people wear leggings as part of their daily outfits.
- Me gustan mucho tus leggings negros.I really like your black leggings.
- Necesito comprar unos leggings para ir al gimnasio.I need to buy some leggings to go to the gym.
- Estos leggings son muy cómodos para viajar.These leggings are very comfortable for traveling.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are shopping for clothes in a mall.
- Lucía¿Qué te parecen estos leggings?What do you think of these leggings?
- MateoSe ven muy bien, Lucía.They look very good, Lucía.
- LucíaSí, y la tela es muy suave.Yes, and the fabric is very soft.
- MateoEntonces, deberías comprarlos.Then, you should buy them.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
