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patadas

pah-TAH-dahs/paˈtaðas/

“patadas” means “kicks” in Spanish (Physical actions using the foot).

kicks

Also: blows (with the foot)
NounfA2
Mexico
A close-up, colorful storybook illustration showing a person's foot mid-action, kicking a bright red soccer ball.

📝 In Action

El portero salvó el balón con unas patadas rápidas.

A2

The goalkeeper saved the ball with some quick kicks.

Las patadas del bebé en el vientre eran muy fuertes.

B1

The baby's kicks in the womb were very strong.

Tuvimos que abrir la puerta a patadas.

B2

We had to kick the door open (or: We had to open the door with kicks/forcefully).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • dar patadas – to kick

Idioms & Expressions

  • A patadas – Violently, forcefully, or reluctantly/with great difficulty (figurative).
  • Dar patadas de ahogado – To make a last desperate effort; to flail around trying to survive.
  • Estar a patadas con alguien/algo – To be incompatible, to clash terribly (e.g., colors, personalities).

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "patadas" in Spanish:

kicks→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: patadas

Question 1 of 2

If two colors are 'a patadas,' what does that mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
espadasparadas
📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Spanish root 'pata,' meaning 'leg' or 'paw' (usually for animals), combined with the common suffix '-ada,' which signifies the action or blow resulting from that body part. It literally means 'a blow delivered by the foot/leg.'

First recorded: 15th century (related forms)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: patada

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'patadas' the same as 'pateo'?

No. 'Patadas' is the plural noun form meaning 'kicks' (the action). 'Pateo' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'patear' (to kick), meaning 'I kick' in the present tense.

Why is 'patadas' feminine?

The suffix '-ada' that is added to the root 'pata' is almost always used to create feminine nouns in Spanish, especially those describing a physical action or blow (like 'puñalada' - stab, or 'palmada' - clap).