Patting Meaning in English
word · lemma: pat
ˈpætɪŋ
PAT-ing
pˈætɪŋ
PAT-ing
Definition
Gently touching or stroking someone or something with a light, flat hand, usually as a sign of comfort, support, or affection.
Usage & Nuances
Used for gentle, light contact—unlike 'hitting' or 'tapping', which can be stronger or more abrupt. Common with 'patting on the back', 'patting a dog', or 'patting someone’s shoulder' for encouragement or comfort.
Spanish: acariciar (con golpecitos) - dar palmadas suavesPortuguese (BR): afagar (com leves batidas) - dar tapinhasPortuguese (PT): afagar (com leves pancadas) - dar palmadinhasChinese (Simplified): 轻拍 - 轻拍抚Chinese (Traditional): 輕拍 - 輕輕拍打Hindi: हल्के थपथपानाArabic: الطبطبة - الربتBengali: হালকা করে थपথপানো - আলতো করে স্পর্শ করাRussian: поглаживание - похлопываниеJapanese: 軽くたたくこと - なでることVietnamese: vỗ nhẹ - xoa nhẹKorean: 토닥임 - 가볍게 두드리기Turkish: hafifçe sıvazlama - okşamaUrdu: ہلکے سے تھپتھپاناIndonesian: menepuk dengan lembut - mengelus
Example Sentences
She is patting her dog gently.
basic
The teacher was patting the students on the back.
basic
He kept patting the baby to help her sleep.
basic
She walked by, patting me on the shoulder for encouragement.
natural
Stop patting yourself on the back—you haven't finished yet!
natural
He came in smiling, patting his pockets for his keys.
natural