Signification
To remove footwear.
Contexte culturel
Traditionally, Spaniards don't take off shoes in others' homes unless invited. However, they always wear 'zapatillas de casa' (slippers) in their own homes to avoid the cold tile floors. In many Mexican households, keeping shoes on is common, but in very clean or carpeted homes, the host might provide 'pantuflas' (slippers). Spanish speakers living in or visiting Japan must learn this phrase immediately, as 'quitarse los zapatos' is mandatory in 'genkan' (entrances). The variation 'sacarse los zapatos' is much more common than 'quitarse'.
The 'Slipper' Rule
In Spain, if you take off your shoes, immediately ask for 'zapatillas'. Walking in socks is often seen as 'incomplete' or too informal.
Avoid 'Mis'
Never say 'Me quito mis zapatos'. It's the most common 'gringo' mistake!
Signification
To remove footwear.
The 'Slipper' Rule
In Spain, if you take off your shoes, immediately ask for 'zapatillas'. Walking in socks is often seen as 'incomplete' or too informal.
Avoid 'Mis'
Never say 'Me quito mis zapatos'. It's the most common 'gringo' mistake!
Airport Vocabulary
Listen for 'quítense' in plural at airports. It's one of the first real-world phrases you'll hear traveling.
Reflexive Power
Mastering 'quitarse' helps you with 'lavarse' (wash), 'peinarse' (comb), and 'vestirse' (dress).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and article.
Yo ___ quito ___ zapatos.
For 'Yo', the reflexive pronoun is 'me', and we use the definite article 'los'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a friend to take off their shoes?
Asking a friend:
'Quítate' is the informal imperative, perfect for a friend.
Complete the dialogue.
Anfitrión: 'Pasa, pasa.' Invitado: 'Gracias. ¿___?'
The guest is asking permission to take off their own shoes.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at the airport security.
The plural formal 'quítense' is used by authorities addressing a group.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Spanish vs English Possession
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYo ___ quito ___ zapatos.
For 'Yo', the reflexive pronoun is 'me', and we use the definite article 'los'.
Asking a friend:
'Quítate' is the informal imperative, perfect for a friend.
Anfitrión: 'Pasa, pasa.' Invitado: 'Gracias. ¿___?'
The guest is asking permission to take off their own shoes.
Situation: You are at the airport security.
The plural formal 'quítense' is used by authorities addressing a group.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsSí, es muy común en América Latina. En España se prefiere 'quitarse'.
Porque el 'me' ya indica que son tus zapatos. El español evita la redundancia en la posesión de partes del cuerpo o ropa.
Dices 'Quitarle los zapatos al bebé'. Usas 'le' en lugar de 'se'.
Sí, es un verbo formal que significa exactamente 'quitarse los zapatos'.
Dices 'Me quito un zapato'.
Depende de la duración del vuelo, pero generalmente se considera aceptable si no hay mal olor.
Se dice 'descalzo' (masculine) or 'descalza' (feminine).
Sí, 'quitarse la chaqueta', 'quitarse la camisa', etc.
'Ponerse los zapatos'.
Rara vez, a menos que sea una oficina muy creativa o informal.
Expressions liées
Ponerse los zapatos
contrastTo put on shoes
Andar descalzo
builds onTo walk barefoot
Zapatillas de casa
similarHouse slippers
Atarse los cordones
similarTo tie one's shoelaces
Limpiarse los pies
similarTo wipe one's feet
