Paw at Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɔ/ /ˈæt
PAW-at
pˈɔː/ /ˈæt
PAW-at
Definition
To touch, scratch, or hit something repeatedly with a paw, usually referring to an animal using its foot or claw.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used for animals, especially cats and dogs. Implies repeated, sometimes gentle actions. For people, 'paw at' can sound negative or clumsy. Often used in the phrases 'paw at the door' or 'paw at something to get attention.'
Spanish: arañar con la pata - tocar con la pataPortuguese (BR): arranhar com a pata - tocar com a pataPortuguese (PT): arranhar com a pata - tocar com a pataChinese (Simplified): 用爪子抓 - 用爪子拨Chinese (Traditional): 用爪子抓 - 用爪子撥Hindi: पंजा मारनाArabic: ينبش بمخلبه - يضرب بمخلبهBengali: পাঞ্জা দিয়ে আঁচড়ানো - পাঞ্জা দিয়ে স্পর্শ করাRussian: царапать лапой - трогать лапойJapanese: 前足でかく - 前足でさわるVietnamese: cào bằng chân - chạm nhẹ bằng chânKorean: 발로 긁다 - 발로 건드리다Turkish: patisiyle tırmalamak - patisiyle dokunmakUrdu: پنجہ مارنا - پنجہ سے چھوناIndonesian: mencakar dengan kaki - menyentuh dengan kaki
Example Sentences
The kitten began to paw at the ball of yarn.
basic
The dog pawed at the door to go outside.
basic
The bear tried to paw at the honey jar.
basic
My cat loves to paw at the curtains when she's bored.
natural
The puppy kept pawing at my hand, wanting to play.
natural
He tried to paw at the snacks on the counter, but he was too short to reach.
natural