zapatos
/θapatos/from spelling rules
The English phrase shoes is translated into Spanish as zapatos.
Zapatos is the most common and standard word for shoes in Spanish. Depending on the type of footwear, other terms may be more precise: Zapatillas is commonly used in various Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Latin America, to refer to sneakers or athletic shoes. In Mexico and parts of Central America, tenis is used to mean sneakers or tennis shoes. For specific formal footwear, you can use Calzado de vestir to refer to dress shoes.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Calzado has a slightly more formal tone and can be used interchangeably with zapatos in formal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, zapatillas deportivas is a common term used specifically for athletic shoes. In Colombia, tenis is used to refer to athletic shoes or sneakers in general.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of zapatos is zapato. Because zapatos is a masculine noun, it is used with the masculine plural article los.
How do you pronounce it?
/θapatos/
Did you know?
- The term zapatos comes from the Arabic word sabāt, reflecting the deep influence of Moorish culture on the Spanish language.
- There is a traditional Spanish dance called zapateado where the dancers use their zapatos to create complex rhythmic percussion against the floor.
- The word zapatilla refers to a sneaker in Latin America, but in Spain, it more often refers to a house slipper.
Examples in context
- Me saqué los zapatos.I took my shoes off.This sentence is useful for describing the action of taking off your zapatos.Tatoeba #943748 by hayastan, translation #1344893 by CK
- Ellos no usan zapatos.They don't wear shoes.This sentence is useful for stating that people do not wear zapatos.Tatoeba #1110107 by hayastan, translation #9611354 by eltacodemex
- Tus zapatos están aquí.Your shoes are here.This sentence is useful for stating the location of your zapatos.Tatoeba #475270 by Shishir, translation #17265 by adjusting
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar zapatos nuevos?Where can I buy new shoes?
- Este establecimiento ofrece un amplio catálogo de calzadoThis store offers a wide catalog of shoes
- Debe usar calzado de vestir en la conferenciaYou must wear dress shoes at the conference
- Me compré unas zapas nuevasI bought some new shoes
- Hola Juan, ¿has visto mis zapas nuevas?Hi Juan, have you seen my new shoes?
- Vamos a correr, necesito mis zapatillasLet's go for a run, I need my sneakers
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar buenas zapatillas para correr?Where can I find good running shoes?
- Voy a comprar nuevos tenisI'm going to buy new tennis shoes
- 440 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are shopping at a shoe store.
- ElenaJavier, mira estos zapatos rojos.Javier, look at these red shoes.
- JavierSon bonitos, pero son caros.They are pretty, but they are expensive.
- Elena¿Prefieres unos zapatos negros?Do you prefer some black shoes?
- JavierSí, unos zapatos negros serían mejores.Yes, some black shoes would be better.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
