probarse zapatos
/pɾobaɾse θapatos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "try on shoes" is translated into Spanish as probarse zapatos.
This phrase is used when you put shoes on your feet to check the fit or appearance before making a purchase. While shopping, you might also use the phrase ¿Cuál es mi talla? to ask "What is my shoe size?" or ¿Dónde está el probador? to ask "Where is the fitting room?"
What does it mean word for word?
The verb probarse is the reflexive form of probar (to test or try). The suffix -se indicates that the action is being performed on oneself, literally meaning "to try on (oneself)".
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural Spanish sentences, you will almost always use the definite article los before the noun zapatos when using the reflexive verb probarse, resulting in the phrase probarse los zapatos.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾobaɾse θapatos/
Did you know?
- The root of probarse comes from the Latin 'probare', meaning 'to test' or 'to prove'. This is why the same word is used for trying on shoes and for providing evidence in a legal trial.
- In Spanish, the same verb used in probarse los zapatos is used to describe 'tasting' a new dish. To a Spanish speaker, checking the fit of a boot and checking the flavor of a sauce are the same action of sampling.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the verb calzar is used to describe how a shoe fits. While probarse is the action of putting the shoe on, calzar describes the physical relationship between the foot and the shoe.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo probarme estos zapatos, por favor?Can I try on these shoes, please?
- ¿Puedo probarme estos zapatos?Can I try on these shoes?
- Ella necesita probarse zapatos de cuero.She needs to try on leather shoes.
- Él va a probarse zapatos deportivos.He is going to try on athletic shoes.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at a shoe store.
- LucíaMira estos tenis, Mateo. ¿Quieres probarse zapatos?Look at these sneakers, Mateo. Do you want to try on shoes?
- MateoSí, me gustan mucho esos.Yes, I like those a lot.
- LucíaVe a buscar tu talla entonces.Go look for your size then.
- MateoTengo que ver si me quedan bien.I have to see if they fit me well.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
