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patitas means little legs — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 11, 2025

😆 Funny Words

patitas

noun • /[pah-TEE-tas]/

little legs

Example:

Con esas patitas no alcanzas la mesa.

With those little legs you can’t reach the table.

🧠 What does patitas mean?

Patitas is the diminutive form of 'patas' (legs, paws). It is a feminine plural noun used to mean 'little legs' or 'little paws'. The '-ita' suffix adds a sense of smallness, cuteness, or affection. It is most commonly used when referring to the limbs of small animals (like cats, dogs, or birds), young children, or even the legs of small pieces of furniture. While 'patas' can sometimes be seen as slightly informal or even crude for human legs (where 'piernas' is standard), 'patitas' is an endearing and widely used term.

📚 Extra examples

  • El gatito se acurrucó y escondió sus patitas bajo el cuerpo.
    The kitten curled up and hid its little paws under its body.
  • Mi sobrina tiene unas patitas gorditas y adorables.
    My niece has chubby, adorable little legs.
  • El canario saltaba sobre sus delgadas patitas en la jaula.
    The canary hopped on its thin little legs in the cage.
  • La silla es muy baja, tiene las patitas muy cortas.
    The chair is very low, it has very short little legs.

💡 Did You Know?

An interesting and very common use of this word is in the phrase 'patitas de gallo,' which literally translates to 'little rooster feet.' This is the standard Spanish term for what English speakers call 'crow's feet'—the fine lines and wrinkles that appear at the outer corners of the eyes.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "patitas"

Synonyms: patas pequeñas, piececitos, piernitas
Opposites: patas grandes, patotas

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'little legs' in Spanish?
The most common and affectionate way to say 'little legs' or 'little paws' is 'patitas'. For humans, you could also say 'piernitas'.
How do you pronounce 'patitas' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is pah-TEE-tahs. The stress falls on the second syllable, 'ti'.
How do you use 'patitas' in a sentence?
You can use it to talk about an animal's paws or a child's legs. For example: 'El perro tiene las patitas sucias de barro.' (The dog has muddy little paws.)
What is the English translation of 'patitas'?
The English translation is 'little legs' or 'little paws'.
Does 'patitas' change for gender or number?
'Patitas' is the plural form of the feminine noun 'patita' (la patita). It is almost always used in the plural, 'las patitas', because animals and furniture typically have more than one leg.
Is 'patitas' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'patitas' is very common in everyday, informal Spanish, especially when speaking affectionately about pets, small animals, or young children.
Does 'patitas' have slang or double meanings?
Primarily, it means 'little legs/paws'. However, the expression 'patitas de gallo' (literally 'little rooster feet') is a very common term for 'crow's feet', the wrinkles at the corners of one's eyes.
Is 'patitas' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, its use as an affectionate term for small legs or paws is consistent across the Spanish-speaking world. The expression 'patitas de gallo' is also widely understood.

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