Inklingo
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patada

/pah-TAH-dah/

kick

A person's foot, wearing a bright red sneaker, is mid-action, powerfully kicking a blue soccer ball across a green field.

Visualizing the literal meaning of patada: a physical blow or 'kick' with the foot.

patada(noun)

fA2

kick

?

physical blow with the foot

Also:

blow

?

impact

📝 In Action

El jugador le dio una patada al balón.

A2

The player gave the ball a kick.

Fue una patada accidental, no quería lastimarlo.

B1

It was an accidental kick; he didn't mean to hurt him.

Intentó abrir la puerta con una patada, pero no funcionó.

B1

He tried to open the door with a kick, but it didn't work.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • puntapié (kick (specifically with the tip of the foot))
  • coz (kick (by an animal, like a horse))

Common Collocations

  • dar una patada – to give a kick (the most common verb pairing)
  • patada de ahogado – last desperate effort (literally: drowning person's kick)

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Dar'

In Spanish, the action of kicking is usually expressed using the verb 'dar' (to give) plus the noun 'patada': 'dar una patada'. It feels more natural than trying to use the verb 'patear' in many contexts.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Patada' and 'Pata'

Mistake: "Using 'pata' when referring to the action: 'Dio una pata al balón.'"

Correction: Use 'patada' for the action: 'Dio una patada al balón.' Remember 'pata' means 'leg/paw' (usually of an animal or furniture).

⭐ Usage Tips

Verbs for Kicking

While 'patada' is the noun, the verb 'patear' means 'to kick.' Use 'patear' when you need a continuous action (e.g., 'Está pateando el bote' - He is kicking the can).

A stylized cartoon character sitting on a simple wooden chair, visibly startled. Their eyes are wide open, and their entire body posture suggests a sudden, strong shock or jolt.

Patada can also be used figuratively to describe a sudden, strong feeling or 'jolt'.

patada(noun)

fB2

jolt

?

sudden strong feeling or shock

,

punch

?

strong impact of flavor or alcohol

Also:

thrill

?

excitement or adrenaline rush

📝 In Action

Este café tiene una patada de cafeína que me despierta.

B2

This coffee has a caffeine punch that wakes me up.

La noticia de su renuncia fue una patada emocional para la empresa.

C1

The news of his resignation was an emotional jolt for the company.

Ese tequila tiene una patada fuerte.

B2

That tequila has a strong kick.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • golpe (blow, impact)
  • sacudida (shake, jolt)

Common Collocations

  • patada de sabor – flavor punch
  • patada de adrenalina – adrenaline rush

💡 Grammar Points

Describing Intensity

When 'patada' is used figuratively, it emphasizes sudden, high intensity. It usually describes an effect that is immediate and powerful, whether it's good (a strong flavor) or bad (a shock).

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

If you hear 'patada' used with non-physical things like 'sabor' (flavor) or 'licor' (liquor), you know it means a powerful, strong effect, not a physical kick.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: patada

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'patada' in its figurative sense?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

pata(leg, paw (of an animal)) - noun
patear(to kick (verb)) - verb
patoso/a(clumsy) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'patada' and 'puntapié'?

'Patada' is the general term for any kick. 'Puntapié' is more specific, referring to a kick made specifically with the tip or point of the foot, often implying greater force or precision.

Can 'patada' be used to describe an animal's kick?

Yes, but for animals like horses or donkeys, the word 'coz' (or 'cocear' for the verb) is often preferred, though 'patada' is perfectly understandable.