How to Say "trainers" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “trainers” is “zapatillas” — 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.
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.
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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.
Learn more →sah-pah-TEE-yassapaˈtiʝas
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.
teh-neesˈtenis
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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