sandalias
standard
In Puerto Rico sandals are sandalias, and flip-flops or casual slip-on sandals are chancletas. Both words are everyday. It is also called Chancletas de dedo.
Meaning: open footwear (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| sandalias | standard |
| Chancletas | flip flops, Puerto Rico |
| Chancletas de dedo | flip flops |
Say unas sandalias for dressier open shoes. For beach flip-flops, say unas chancletas.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both words are usually plural, since sandals come in pairs: las sandalias, las chancletas.
When do people say it?
In many Puerto Rican homes, the chancleta is also the famous item that a parent may threaten to throw at a misbehaving child. It is a joke known across Latino families.
Did you know?
- The chancleta as a playful parental threat is a well known family joke among Spanish speakers.
Examples in context
- Me puse las chancletas para ir a la playa.I put on my flip-flops to go to the beach.
- Compré unas sandalias nuevas.I bought new sandals.
- No encuentro mis chancletas.I cannot find my flip-flops.
Example conversation
Before a beach trip, mother Yolanda and her son Kevin look for shoes in Luquillo.
- YolandaKevin, ¿dónde están tus chancletas?Kevin, where are your flip-flops?
- KevinDebajo de la cama, mami.Under the bed, mom.
- YolandaPóntelas y vámonos a la playa.Put them on and let us go to the beach.
