calcetín

kal-seh-TEEN/kal.se'tin/

“calcetín” means “sock” in Spanish (An item of clothing worn on the foot).

sock

Also: stocking

Mexico & Argentina

Tengo un agujero en mi calcetín izquierdo.

I have a hole in my left sock.

Siempre pierdo un calcetín cuando lavo la ropa.

I always lose a sock when I do the laundry.

Prefiero los calcetines de lana porque son más calientes.

I prefer wool socks because they are warmer.

darle la vuelta a algo como a un calcetín – To completely change a situation or turn things around 180 degrees

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'a pair of socks' in Spanish?

👥 Word Family▼

calzar(to wear shoes) — Verb

descalzo(barefoot) — Adjective

🎵 Rhymes▼

jardínpatíndelfín

📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'calceus' meaning 'shoe'. This was combined with a suffix to describe the smaller cloth covering worn inside the shoe.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: calzinoPortuguese: calcurriar

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Why is there an accent on the 'í'?

The accent mark tells you to emphasize the last syllable ('TIN') when you say the word out loud.

Can I use 'calceta' instead?

Yes, 'calceta' is sometimes used for thicker, knitted socks, but 'calcetín' is much more common for everyday wear.

How do I describe the color of socks?

Since 'calcetines' is masculine and plural, the color word must match: 'calcetines blancos' (white socks) or 'calcetines negros' (black socks).