zapatillas
/sah-pah-TEE-yas/
sneakers
In the context of sports, "zapatillas" means athletic footwear, like these colorful sneakers.
📝 In Action
Necesito unas zapatillas nuevas para ir al gimnasio.
A1I need new sneakers to go to the gym.
Mis zapatillas favoritas son blancas y muy cómodas.
A2My favorite athletic shoes are white and very comfortable.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural for a Pair
Even though 'zapatilla' is the singular (one shoe), when you refer to the pair you wear, you must use the plural 'zapatillas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Zapatos'
Mistake: "Using 'zapatos' when referring to trainers."
Correction: Use 'zapatos' only for formal or dress shoes. 'Zapatillas' is specifically for casual or sports shoes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Check
In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, you are more likely to hear 'tenis' for this meaning, while 'zapatillas' might mean 'slippers' or 'high heels'.
This word also refers to comfortable house shoes or slippers, perfect for relaxing at home.
📝 In Action
Por favor, quítate los zapatos y ponte las zapatillas.
A2Please, take off your shoes and put on your slippers (house shoes).
Mi abuela siempre usa zapatillas de lana en invierno.
B1My grandmother always wears wool slippers in winter.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
Since 'zapatillas' can mean sneakers or slippers, listen to the context. If someone is talking about being inside the house, they probably mean slippers.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: zapatillas
Question 1 of 2
If you are in Madrid and someone asks you to buy 'zapatillas' for running, what should you purchase?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'zapatillas' have so many different meanings across Spanish-speaking countries?
Language changes regionally! 'Zapatillas' originally meant a light, flexible shoe. In Spain, this term stuck to the popular athletic shoe (sneaker). In many parts of Latin America, the term was applied to the soft, light house shoe (slipper), while a different word ('tenis') was adopted for athletic shoes.
How do I say 'high heels' using a word related to 'zapatilla'?
While 'zapatillas' means sneakers or slippers, the word for high heels is often 'zapatos de tacón' (shoes with a heel) or sometimes 'tacos' (slang). In some parts of Latin America, 'zapatillas' can be used for light women's dress shoes, including heels, but this is less common.