Pierna o pata.

Question

Is it common in Spain to use pierna to refer to animal leg. Someone else told me that heard to somone from Spain say pierna in reference to animal leg, but it sounded strange to me.

Answer 1

Well I suppose as pierna de cordero is a leg of lamb then the answer is probably yes.

As a matter of interest here are a few phrases relating to the word pierna.

Con las piernas cruzadas - Cross-legged

La falda le llega a media pierna - The skirt is calf length on her

Dormir a pierna suelta - To sleep the sleep of the dead

Estirar las piernas - To stretch one's legs

Hacer piernas (andar, fam) - To take a walk

Salir por piernas (fam) - To take to one's heels, leg it (colloq)

As a further matter of interest, a few examples for another meaning of the word pata.

Guy (colloq), bloke (BrE colloq)

Amigo, buddy (AmE colloq), mate (BrE colloq)

Él es mi pata del alma - he's my best pal o (BrE) mate (colloq)

• When the lamb is alive, he only has "patas". However, when it comes to the meal for cooking, we call it "pierna" - cogumela Dec 12, 2011
• Abrirse de piernas normally does not refer to gimnasia :) - cogumela Dec 12, 2011
• Wow, a great big G R A C I A S to you, Eddy!! - territurtle Dec 12, 2011

Answer 2

Pata is for animal, and pierna is for human.

Answer 3

Pierna and pata are different anatomical parts...pierna is leg, and I have heard it used quite often.

When we are speaking of animal feet, however, the word pata is used. It means hoof of paw.

Answer 4

MLucie said

When we are speaking of animal feet, however, the word pata is used. It means hoof of paw.

Not always. For instance,

Las patas delanteras/traseras - The front/hind legs

• That's interesting, Eddy. Las patas delanteras/traseras would definitely mean front/hind hoofs in my world. So then, how would you distinguish between the two? - MLucie Dec 12, 2011
• I mean between leg and hoof! Cogu's comment seems to confirm your answer... So I am curious! - MLucie Dec 12, 2011