garras
/GAH-rrahs/
claws
Garras are the sharp claws found on animals like cats and bears.
garras(noun)
claws
?sharp nails on animals like cats or bears
talons
?the sharp hooks on the feet of hunting birds
📝 In Action
El gato sacó sus garras para trepar el árbol.
A2The cat put out its claws to climb the tree.
Ten cuidado con las garras del águila.
B1Be careful with the eagle's talons.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even if the animal is male, the word 'garra' is always a feminine noun. You must use 'las' and adjectives ending in '-as'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Garras vs. Uñas
Mistake: "Using 'garras' to describe human fingernails."
Correction: Use 'uñas' for humans and small pets. Use 'garras' for predators or wild animals with dangerous hooks.
⭐ Usage Tips
When to use it
Use this word when the animal uses its feet for hunting or defense, like lions, tigers, and hawks.
The word garras can also refer to being in someone's clutches or under their control.
garras(noun)
clutches
?metaphorical control or power over someone
grip
?being stuck in a bad situation
📝 In Action
Logró escapar de las garras del enemigo.
B2He managed to escape from the enemy's clutches.
La ciudad está en las garras de una tormenta.
B2The city is in the grip of a storm.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Meaning
Think of this like a movie villain holding a hero; it implies that the person in 'the garras' has no easy way to get out.
In an informal or old-fashioned sense, garras can mean clothes.
📝 In Action
Ponte tus mejores garras para la fiesta.
B2Put on your best clothes for the party.
⭐ Usage Tips
Slang Alert
Only use this meaning with close friends. If you say it in a formal setting, you might sound like you are calling someone's clothes trashy!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: garras
Question 1 of 1
If someone tells you to 'sacar las garras', what are they suggesting?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'garras' always plural?
No, you can use the singular 'garra' to refer to just one claw, but it's very common to use the plural 'garras' because animals usually have many of them!
Can I use 'garras' for my dog?
Technically yes, but 'uñas' is much more common for domestic pets unless you are describing your dog being particularly fierce or wild.