sapatos
The Portuguese word for shoes is sapatos.
Sapatos refers to footwear worn to protect and comfort the human foot.
Which one should you use?
While sapatos is a general term for footwear, the word tênis is specifically used for sneakers or athletic shoes. The word calçados is a more formal or technical term used to refer to footwear in general, such as in retail or industry contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of sapatos is sapato. Because sapatos is a masculine noun, it is preceded by the masculine plural article os to mean the shoes.
Did you know?
- The word calçados comes from the verb calçar, which means specifically to put on footwear. Unlike the English verb 'wear', calçar is used only for things you put on your feet.
- In Brazil, the word tênis is used for sneakers, which is the same word used for the sport of tennis. This means a person can 'play tênis wearing tênis'.
- While sapatos is the general term, Portuguese speakers often use the word chinelos for flip-flops or slippers. In some regions, calling a flip-flop a sapato would be considered incorrect because sapatos implies a closed-toe shoe.
Examples in context
- Eu tirei os sapatos.I took my shoes off.This sentence is useful for describing the action of taking off one's sapatos.Tatoeba #942866 by alexmarcelo, translation #1344893 by CK
- Tire os seus sapatos.Take off your shoes.This sentence is a command to take off one's sapatos.Tatoeba #1298305 by alexmarcelo, translation #18096 by CK
- Você está de sapatos?Are you wearing shoes?This sentence is used to ask if someone is currently wearing sapatos.Tatoeba #4736187 by carlosalberto, translation #4735255 by Ooneykcall
- Eu preciso comprar sapatos novos.I need to buy new shoes.
- Onde posso encontrar uma loja de sapatos?Where can I find a shoe store?
- Meus sapatos estão apertados.My shoes are tight.
- Vou colocar meus tênis antes de sair.I'll put on my sneakers before leaving.
- Preciso comprar novos calçados para o verão.I need to buy new shoes for the summer.
- Esses sapatos estão me matando!These shoes are killing me!
- 337 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Felipe are getting ready to go out.
- MarianaVocê viu os meus sapatos?Have you seen my shoes?
- FelipeEstão perto da porta, Mariana.They are near the door, Mariana.
- MarianaObrigada, Felipe.Thank you, Felipe.
- FelipeDe nada. Vamos?You're welcome. Shall we go?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
