Inklingo

How to Say "sole" in Spanish

English → Spanish

único

AdjectiveA2formal
Use 'único' when 'sole' means 'only' or 'single' in the sense of being the only one of its kind, often used formally.

Examples

Es mi único par de zapatos.

It's my only pair of shoes.

planta

PLAN-tah/ˈplan.ta/

NounB1
Choose 'planta' when referring to the bottom surface of a foot.
The underside view of a bare human foot, clearly highlighting the curved surface of the sole.

Examples

Sentí una astilla clavada en la planta del pie.

I felt a splinter stuck in the sole of my foot.

El masajista me frotó la planta para aliviar el dolor.

The masseuse rubbed my sole to relieve the pain.

Body Parts

Like many body parts, 'planta' is typically used with the definite article ('la') rather than a possessive word ('mi').

exclusiva

/ex-kloo-SEE-bah//eks.kluˈsi.βa/

AdjectiveA2
Use 'exclusiva' when 'sole' means 'exclusive' or 'limited to a select group', describing a place or item.
A colorful storybook illustration of a velvet rope barrier leading to a single golden chair.

Examples

Es una zona muy exclusiva de la ciudad.

It is a very exclusive area of the city.

Tengo la propiedad exclusiva de esta marca.

I have the sole ownership of this brand.

Matching the word ending

Because this word ends in -a, you only use it to describe 'feminine' things like 'una tienda' or 'la ropa'. If you are describing a 'masculine' thing, you must use 'exclusivo'.

Matching gender

Mistake: “Un club exclusiva.”

Correction: Un club exclusivo. Since 'club' is masculine, the descriptor must also end in -o.

tapa

TAH-pah/ˈtapa/

NounB1
Use 'tapa' specifically for the bottom part of a shoe that is often replaced by a cobbler.
A detailed close-up of the bottom end of a slender black high heel, showing the small, round, black rubber heel tip.

Examples

Necesito llevar estos zapatos al zapatero para cambiar la tapa.

I need to take these shoes to the cobbler to change the heel tip.

La tapa de mis botas ya está muy gastada.

The sole/heel tip of my boots is already very worn out.

Foot vs. Shoe Bottom

The most common confusion is between 'planta' (sole of the foot) and 'tapa' (sole of a shoe). Remember that 'planta' is for your body part, while 'tapa' refers to the material part of footwear.

Related Translations

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