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"Gata" is a form of "gata", a noun which is often translated as "jack". "Gatear" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to crawl". Learn more about the difference between "gata" and "gatear" below.
la gata(
gah
-
tah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (tool) (Andes) (Central America) (Chile)
Regionalism used in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
Regionalism used in Chile
gatear(
gah
-
teh
-
ahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to creep)
2. (to go up)
b. to clamber
No puedes gatear por ese árbol. Las ramas son débiles y se quebrarán.You can't clamber up that tree. The branches are weak and will break.
3. (to look for a romantic partner) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to be on the prowl
En el club, Juan nos dijo que rompió con su novia y que va a gatear esta noche.At the club, Juan told us that he'd broken up with his girlfriend, so he's on the prowl tonight.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to scratch
¿Cómo te hiciste esas marcas en el brazo? - Mi mascota me gateó.How did you get those marks on your arm? - My pet scratched me.
5. (vulgar) (to seduce) (Latin America)
A word or phrase that is crude, indecent, and generally rejected by society.
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to try to pick up
Te vi tratando de gatear a Dana. ¿La llevaste a tu casa? - No, ni siquiera me dio un beso.I saw you trying to pick up Dana. Did you take her home? - No. She didn't even give me a kiss.
