Inklingo

How to Say "claws" in Spanish

English → Spanish

garras

/GAH-rrahs//ˈɡaras/

nounA2general
Use 'garras' for the literal, sharp, curved nails found on the feet of animals like cats, birds of prey, or bears.
A close-up of a cat's paw with sharp, curved claws extended.

Examples

El águila agarró a su presa con sus afiladas garras.

The eagle grabbed its prey with its sharp claws.

El gato sacó sus garras para trepar el árbol.

The cat put out its claws to climb the tree.

Ten cuidado con las garras del águila.

Be careful with the eagle's talons.

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'.

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.

uñas

nounB1figurative
Use 'uñas' figuratively to describe someone showing aggression, defensiveness, or a combative attitude, similar to 'showing your claws'.

Examples

No te dejes pisotear; a veces hay que sacar las uñas.

Don't let them walk all over you; sometimes you have to show your claws.

Literal vs. Figurative Use

The most common mistake is using 'garras' when the context is figurative. Remember, 'uñas' is used metaphorically for an aggressive or defensive stance, while 'garras' refers to the actual physical claws of an animal.

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