Inklingo

How to Say "sneakers" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tenis

/teh-nees//ˈtenis/

nounA2casual
Use 'tenis' when referring to athletic or casual shoes, particularly in Mexico and Central America, for everyday wear or light athletic activities.
A pair of simple, comfortable blue and white athletic sneakers, viewed from the side, with white laces tied.

Examples

Necesito unos tenis cómodos para caminar todo el día.

I need comfortable sneakers to walk all day.

¿Viste mis tenis blancos? No los encuentro.

Did you see my white tennis shoes? I can't find them.

Plural Usage

Even though you are talking about a single pair, you must use the plural form 'los tenis' and plural adjectives ('tenis nuevos', 'tenis sucios').

Using Singular

Mistake: “Compré un tenis.”

Correction: Compré unos tenis. (Always use the plural article 'unos' or 'los' when referring to a pair of shoes.)

zapatillas

/sah-pah-TEE-yas//sapaˈtiʝas/

nounA1
Choose 'zapatillas' when you specifically mean athletic footwear, such as those worn for sports or going to the gym, and you want a widely understood term across Spanish-speaking countries.
A pair of brightly colored athletic sneakers with visible laces, ready for running.

Examples

Necesito unas zapatillas nuevas para ir al gimnasio.

I need new sneakers to go to the gym.

Mis zapatillas favoritas son blancas y muy cómodas.

My favorite athletic shoes are white and very comfortable.

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'.

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.

Tenis vs. Zapatillas

Learners often confuse 'tenis' and 'zapatillas' because both can mean sneakers. Remember that 'tenis' is more common for casual wear in certain regions like Mexico, while 'zapatillas' is a more universal term for athletic shoes across the Spanish-speaking world.

Related Translations

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