aletas
/aletas/from spelling rules
The English phrase swim fins is translated into Spanish as aletas.
While aletas is commonly used on its own for swim fins, you can specify them as scuba or diving fins by adding de buceo to the phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The word aletas literally means fins, such as those found on a fish or an airplane.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, aletas is used to refer to swim fins. In Argentina, aletas para nadar is commonly used to describe swim fins. In Spain, aletas de buceo is used specifically to refer to dive fins.
How do you pronounce it?
/aletas/
Did you know?
- The word aleta shares the same root as the English word 'aileron', a part of an airplane wing that controls flight.
- The root of aletas is related to ala, meaning 'wing', showing that Spanish views both fish fins and bird wings through the same conceptual lens.
- If you are at a seafood market in Spain and ask for aletas, you might be handed fish fins rather than swimming equipment.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar unas aletas nuevas.I need to buy some new swim fins.
- Las aletas están en la maleta.The swim fins are in the suitcase.
- No olvides tus aletas para el buceo.Don't forget your swim fins for diving.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are getting ready to go snorkeling at the beach.
- Elena¿Dónde pusiste mis aletas, Alejandro?Where did you put my swim fins, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEstán cerca de la piscina.They are near the pool.
- ElenaGracias, ya las tengo.Thanks, I have them now.
- Alejandro¡Vamos a nadar!Let's go swimming!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
