garras
/ɡaras/from spelling rules
The English phrase "claws" is translated into Spanish as garras.
garras refers to the sharp, curved nails found on animals or birds. In informal contexts, using garras can have a playful or exaggerated connotation when describing large or powerful claws. Note that if you are referring specifically to the claws of crustaceans like crabs or lobsters, the term pinzas is used instead.
Which one should you use?
While garras is used for the sharp claws of animals, the word uñas is reserved for human fingernails or toenails.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, garras can be used to refer to the talons of birds of prey.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is garra. However, when referring to an animal's set of claws, the word is typically used in its plural form, garras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaras/
Did you know?
- In the world of football, garra is a highly prized psychological trait. It describes a fierce, fighting spirit and tenacity specifically associated with the national teams of Uruguay and Argentina.
- In some Spanish dialects, calling someone's hand a garra is a way to describe them as clumsy. It suggests their hands are oversized or lack dexterity, like those of an animal.
- The expression estar en las garras de is used to describe being trapped or under the control of someone powerful or malicious, similar to the English 'in the clutches of'.
Examples in context
- El león es león por sus garras.The lion is a lion because of his claws.This sentence uses garras to describe the claws of a lion.Tatoeba #6060970 by emigonza, translation #8160466 by magnificentgoddess
- La lombriz no tiene patas, ni garras, ni dientes, ni hocico, sin embargo excava galerías.The earthworm has no paws, claws, teeth, or snout, but nevertheless it digs galleries.This sentence uses garras to describe what an earthworm lacks.Tatoeba #8031298 by Seael, translation #10612093 by sangelo
- El cerdo hormiguero tiene poderosas extremidades y garras afiladas, así que puede hacer una madriguera bajo tierra a alta velocidad.The aardvark has powerful limbs and sharp claws so it can burrow into earth at high speed.This sentence uses garras to describe the sharp claws of an aardvark.Tatoeba #7095090 by Eremon, translation #5444757 by Adelpa
- El oso afila sus garras en un tronco cercano.The bear sharpens its claws on a nearby tree trunk.
- Las uñas del gato quedaron atrapadas en la cortina.The cat's claws got stuck in the curtain.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a nature documentary together.
- SofíaMira las garras de ese águila.Look at that eagle's claws.
- MateoSon muy grandes y fuertes.They are very large and strong.
- SofíaPueden atrapar cualquier presa rápidamente.They can catch any prey quickly.
- MateoEs impresionante lo que pueden hacer.It is impressive what they can do.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
