pata
/ˈpata/feminine
The English word 'paw' can be translated into Spanish as pata, zarpa or garra depending on the context.
Meaning: soft foot of an animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pata | /ˈpata/ | feminine |
| zarpa | /ˈθaɾpa/ /ˈsaɾpa/ |
feminine |
| garra | /ˈɡara/ | feminine |
In Spanish, pata is also used to refer to the legs of animals in general and the legs of furniture, such as a table.
Which one should you use?
While pata is the general term for an animal's limb or foot, zarpa is used specifically for the large, heavy or predatory paws of animals like lions or bears. Garra can also mean paw, but it focuses more on the presence of claws or the grasping nature of the limb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural forms for these words are patas, zarpas and garras respectively. All three words are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpata/
Did you know?
- The word pata is used in the common expression meter la pata, which literally means to 'put the paw in' but actually means to make a blunder.
- The term garra is often used in sports to describe a player's 'grit' or 'determination' to win.
- Calling someone a pata in certain contexts can be a very informal way to refer to a 'buddy', similar to 'pal' in English.
Examples in context
- El gato estaba tocando al ratón con su pata.The cat was touching the mouse with its paw.This sentence shows how a cat might use its pata to touch something.Tatoeba #11387207 by carlosalberto, translation #11387164 by carlosalberto
- Este perro no quiere moverse porque le duele la pata.This dog doesn't want to move because his paw hurts.This sentence illustrates how an animal might express pain in its pata.Tatoeba #11008395 by carlosalberto, translation #11008307 by tjwhale
- Mi perro levanta la pata cuando saluda.My dog raises its paw when it greets.
- ¡Qué linda patita tiene este gatito!What a cute little paw this kitten has!
- La pata del perro es muy grande.The dog's paw is very big.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at a small puppy.
- MateoMira qué pequeña es su pata.Look how small its paw is.
- SofíaSí, es una pata muy tierna.Yes, it is a very cute paw.
- MateoSofía, ¿crees que tiene hambre?Sofía, do you think he is hungry?
- SofíaProbablemente, vamos a darle algo.Probably, let's give him something.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paw” translations and entries pata, zarpa, garra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
