pantofle — a slipper
pantufla — the Spanish cognate of the same meaning
pantaloons — loosing-fitting, shorter trousers
pantalones — the Spanish cognate that simply means “pants”
You may wonder why I’m including “pantaloons” and “pantalones” as cognates when the meanings seem to be different, even though only slightly different. Well, that’s because we get our word “pants” from the word “pantaloons.” “Pants” is simply a shorter version of the same word even though we use “pants” to refer broadly to any kind of two-legged item of clothing for our lower half in which the fabric of each generally goes past the knees. So, while “pantaloons” brings to mind an old-fashioned style of dress, “pants” are for everyone — as are “pantalones” in Spanish.
The word comes from Italian and then through French to English. When learning Spanish, the word “pantalones” is fairly simple to remember because of the very familiar word of “pants” in English. While we usually don’t refer to that clothing item as “pant,” it can be expressed that way in Spanish with the word “pantalόn.”
Also coming to us from French is the word “pantofle.” This word, unlike “pants,” is not commonly used in English; however, its Spanish cognate of “pantufla” is commonly used. Like “pants,” we tend to speak of “slippers” in the plurality, so you’ll generally use the word as “pantuflas” in Spanish and “pantofles” in English.
Confusing things a bit more is the fact that “pantofles” can be pronounced a few different ways in English. That’s one of the things I like best about Spanish — its pronunciation is very simple. Once you understand some of the rules, and there aren’t too many, then it makes pronouncing words quite easy. There is only one way to pronounce “pantuflas” in Spanish. Granted, I’m not a native Spanish speaker, and I don’t have the right accent, so to any Spanish-speaking person who hears me saying the word, I probably don’t sound like I’m saying it correctly, but I am.
“Pantuflas.” “Pantuflas.” It’s such a fun word to say, isn’t it? “Pantalones.” That’s a fun one, too. Spanish, by and large, is an enjoyable language to speak, so I hope I’m adding to your own ability to use it. Even more, though, I hope I’m adding to your English vocabulary.
Oh, and as I write this, I’m wearing a warm pair of pantofles and some super comfy sweat pants (not pantaloons).
Until next time.
Tammy Marshall
Pantofles and Pantaloons