球鞋

• Pinyin: qiú xié
• Hanzi breakdown: 球 (qiú) — ball; 鞋 (xié) = 革 (leather) + 圭 (phonetic), meaning shoes

Meaning

Sneakers; sports shoes; trainers. Shoes designed for playing ball sports or athletic activities.

Originally referred to shoes specifically for ball sports, but now commonly used for any athletic or casual sneakers. Also called 运动鞋 (sports shoes). In modern Chinese, 球鞋 is used broadly for casual athletic footwear, not just shoes for playing ball.

Examples

1. 我想买一双新球鞋。 I want to buy a new pair of sneakers.
2. 打篮球要穿球鞋。 You need to wear sports shoes to play basketball.
3. 他穿了一双白色的球鞋。 He is wearing a pair of white sneakers.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, sports, clothing

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 这双球鞋很舒服。(These sneakers are very comfortable.)
• 你的球鞋在哪里买的？(Where did you buy your sneakers?)

Don't Say

• 正式场合不要穿球鞋 (Don't wear 球鞋 to formal occasions — they are casual athletic shoes; for formal events wear 皮鞋 leather shoes)

Origin & History

球 (qiú, ball) + 鞋 (xié, shoes). Originally 'ball shoes' — footwear for ball sports. Now used more broadly for athletic shoes.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal