garra
/ˈɡara/feminine
The English word 'claw' translates to the Spanish word garra.
garra refers to a curved horny nail. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is also used colloquially to refer to a person's 'grit' or 'fighting spirit' in sports or difficult situations.
Meaning: curved horny nail (noun)
Which one should you use?
While garra refers to the physical claw of an animal, uña is the word used for a human fingernail or toenail. The plural form of garra is garras.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡara/
Did you know?
- The word garra may trace its roots back to a word meaning 'to ladle' or 'to scoop' in Arabic. This suggests the word originally described the action of a hand grabbing something, much like a tool.
- In certain Latin American countries, saying someone has garra is one of the highest compliments for a teammate's resilience.
Examples in context
- El gato acaba de clavar su garra en mi brazo.The cat has just stuck its claw in my arm.This sentence shows how to use garra regarding a cat's claw.Tatoeba #5845643 by albrusgher, translation #5263615 by dynamo
- Tom apretó la garra de la palanca bajo la cabeza del clavo y sacó el clavo.Tom wedged the claw of the crowbar under the nailhead and pulled out the nail.This sentence demonstrates the use of garra when referring to the claw of a crowbar.Tatoeba #5845645 by albrusgher, translation #1922104 by CK
- El águila utilizó su garra para atrapar a su presa.The eagle used its claw to catch its prey.
- El tigre se lastimó la uña mientras cazaba.The tiger injured its claw while hunting.
- Mira las garritas de nuestro perro, ¡son adorables!Look at our dog's little claws, they're adorable!
- La garra del águila era muy grande.The eagle's claw was very large.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at a nature documentary on TV.
- DanielMira esa garra en la pantalla.Look at that claw on the screen.
- MaríaEs impresionante lo afilada que es.It is impressive how sharp it is.
- DanielEse animal es realmente peligroso.That animal is really dangerous.
- MaríaSí, tiene una garra muy fuerte.Yes, it has a very strong claw.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “claw” translations and entries garra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries garra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
