vaqueros rotos
/bakeɾos ɾotos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "ripped jeans" is translated into Spanish as vaqueros rotos.
This phrase refers specifically to denim trousers that feature holes or tears in the fabric.
Which one should you use?
You can use vaqueros destrozados to imply that the jeans are more heavily shredded or destroyed. If you are referring to any kind of torn trousers rather than specifically denim, use pantalones rotos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and some Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, vaqueros rotos is a popular way to refer to this item. In many parts of Latin America, you will hear the English loanword used in the phrase jeans rotos. In Argentina, the term pantalones destruidos is occasionally used for ripped jeans.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because vaqueros is a masculine plural noun, the adjective rotos must also be in the masculine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/bakeɾos ɾotos/
Did you know?
- The word vaqueros comes from vaca, meaning 'cow'. This highlights the garment's historical roots as workwear for cattle herders.
- In Spanish, the adjective rotos is used for things that are 'torn' as well as things that are 'broken'. This means the same word describes ripped jeans and a shattered vase.
- The adjective destrozados is often used metaphorically in Spanish to describe someone who is 'shattered' or 'devastated' emotionally, much like the jeans are physically destroyed.
Examples in context
- En la tienda de ropa, busco unos pantalones rasgados para la temporada de verano.In the clothing store, I'm looking for some ripped jeans for the summer season.
- Los pantalones rotos están de moda entre los jóvenes.Ripped jeans are trendy among young people.
- Me encanta cómo te ves con esos vaqueros rotos.I love how you look in those ripped jeans.
- Siempre andas con esos pantalones agujereados. ¿Son tu estilo favorito?You always wear those holey pants. Are they your favorite style?
- Me gustan tus vaqueros rotos.I like your ripped jeans.
- ¿Dónde compraste esos vaqueros rotos?Where did you buy those ripped jeans?
- Él lleva unos vaqueros rotos muy modernos.He is wearing some very modern ripped jeans.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are looking at clothes in a shop.
- ElenaDaniel, mira estos vaqueros rotos.Daniel, look at these ripped jeans.
- DanielSon muy bonitos, Elena.They are very pretty, Elena.
- Elena¿Crees que me quedarían bien?Do you think they would look good on me?
- DanielSí, te quedarían muy bien.Yes, they would look very good on you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
