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"Palmada" is a form of "palmada", a noun which is often translated as "pat". "Nalgada" is a noun which is often translated as "smack on the bottom". Learn more about the difference between "nalgada" and "palmada" below.
la nalgada(
nahl
-
gah
-
dah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. smack on the bottom
Mi abuelo me dio una nalgada por cada palabrota que dije.My grandfather gave me a smack on the bottom for each swearword I said.
b. smack on the butt (colloquial) (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
El niño de la vecina es tan travieso que a veces su madre le da una nalgada.The neighbor's kid is so naughty that his mom sometimes gives him a smack on the butt.
las nalgadas
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. spanking
No soy practicante del sadomasoquismo, pero sí me gustan las nalgadas.I'm not into sadomasochism, but I do like spanking.
la palmada(
pahl
-
mah
-
dah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. clap
Me encantaría poder apagar las luces con una palmada.I'd love to be able to switch off the lights with just a clap.
3. (sharp blow) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
las palmadas
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
4. (applause)
a. clapping
Las palmadas pidiendo silencio del profesor no acallaron a los alumnos.The teacher's clapping asking for silence didn't quiet the students.
