súbete los calcetines
/subete los kalθetines/from spelling rules
The English phrase "pull your socks" is translated into Spanish as súbete los calcetines.
In this specific form, the phrase is a literal instruction to move one's socks higher up the leg. Instead, to express the idea of putting in effort or giving it your all, you would use the informal expression Echarle ganas.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb subirse (to pull up/raise onto oneself) and los calcetines (the socks).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form súbete is the informal imperative (tú) form of the reflexive verb subirse.
Did you know?
- To convey the English idiomatic meaning of 'pull your socks up', Spanish speakers often use the phrase ponerse las pilas, which literally means 'to put in one's batteries'.
- While calcetines is standard for socks, in many regions the word medias is used instead, which can create confusion as it also refers to stockings.
- The word los is a direct descendant of the Latin accusative plural masculine 'illōs', showing a linguistic bridge spanning thousands of years.
Examples in context
- Súbete los calcetines, que se te ven los tobillos.Pull up your socks, your ankles are showing.
- Súbete los calcetines que se te ven los tobillos.Pull your socks up, your ankles are showing.
- Súbete los calcetines antes de ponerte los zapatos.Pull your socks up before putting on your shoes.
- Si te sientas, súbete los calcetines para que no se caigan.If you sit down, pull your socks up so they don't fall.
Example conversation
Elena is helping Alejandro get dressed for school.
- ElenaAlejandro, súbete los calcetines.Alejandro, pull up your socks.
- AlejandroEstá bien, ya lo hago.Okay, I'm doing it now.
- ElenaQue queden bien rectos.Make sure they are straight.
- AlejandroListo, ya están arriba.Done, they are up now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries los, CC BY-SA 4.0.
