zapatillas
“zapatillas” means “sneakers” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
sneakers, running shoes
Also: trainers
📝 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.
slippers
Also: ballet flats
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "zapatillas" in Spanish:
ballet flats→running shoes→slippers→sneakers→trainers→✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'zapatilla' is a diminutive of 'zapato' (shoe), meaning 'little shoe.' 'Zapato' likely comes from an Arabic word (*sabbāt*) or an older Iberian word meaning 'footwear' or 'sandal.' The softer, more flexible nature of the 'little shoe' led to its use for both sports shoes and house shoes.
First recorded: 15th century (as 'zapatilla')
Cognates (Related words)
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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.