zapatos
standard
In Puerto Rico shoes are zapatos. Sneakers are called tenis, and the same word is used in the plural for any athletic shoe. It is also called Chancletas.
Meaning: footwear (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| zapatos | standard |
| Tenis | sneakers, Puerto Rico |
| Chancletas | flip flops |
Say unos zapatos for dress shoes and unos tenis for sneakers. Tenis stays the same in the singular and plural.
Which one should you use?
Flip-flops are chancletas and sandals are sandalias. Boots are botas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina sneakers are zapatillas and in Spain they may be deportivas. In Puerto Rico tenis is the word to use.
Did you know?
- Many Puerto Rican families ask guests to remove their shoes at the door to keep the house clean.
Examples in context
- Necesito zapatos negros para la boda.I need black shoes for the wedding.
- Me compré unos tenis nuevos.I bought new sneakers.
- Quítate los zapatos al entrar.Take off your shoes when you come in.
Example conversation
Raúl goes shoe shopping with his daughter Lina in a mall in Bayamón.
- LinaPapi, quiero unos tenis blancos.Dad, I want white sneakers.
- Raúl¿De qué número?What size?
- LinaDe siete. Y unos zapatos para la escuela.Size seven. And some shoes for school.
