Inklingo

How to Say "trainers" in Spanish

English → Spanish

zapatillas

/sah-pah-TEE-yas//sapaˈtiʝas/

nounA1informal
Use 'zapatillas' for general athletic shoes or sneakers, especially when referring to footwear for sports or casual wear. It's a very common and widely understood term.
A pair of brightly colored athletic sneakers with visible laces, ready for running.

Examples

Me compré unas zapatillas nuevas para correr.

I bought myself new trainers to go running.

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

/teh-nees//ˈtenis/

nounA2informal
Use 'tenis' primarily in Mexico and some other Latin American countries for athletic shoes or sneakers. While understood elsewhere, 'zapatillas' is often more common in Spain.
A pair of simple, comfortable blue and white athletic sneakers, viewed from the side, with white laces tied.

Examples

Estos tenis son muy cómodos para el gimnasio.

These trainers are very comfortable for the gym.

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 vs. Tenis

The main confusion arises from regional preference. While 'zapatillas' is broadly understood and common in Spain, 'tenis' is the go-to word in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. Learners might use 'tenis' in Spain and be understood, but 'zapatillas' is safer for general use.

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