rata grande
/rata ɡɾande/from spelling rules
The English phrase "big rat" is translated into Spanish as rata grande.
This phrase refers to a rodent of the genus Rattus that is large in size.
How do you pronounce it?
/rata ɡɾande/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone a rata is a common insult used to describe a person who is a thief or extremely stingy.
- The word rata is a linguistic mystery because it has two completely different origins. While it is commonly understood as a rodent, it may also stem from the Latin adjective rāta, meaning 'established' or 'certain'.
- In Spanish slang, the word rata can be used to describe a traitor or a snitch, similar to the English 'ratting someone out'.
Examples in context
- Encontré una rata grande en el sótano de mi casa.I found a big rat in the basement of my house.
- Ay, ¡mira esa rata gigante! Mejor nos alejamos.Oh, look at that big rat! We better stay away.
- Tuve que correr cuando vi una rata enorme en la calle.I had to run when I saw an enormous rat on the street.
- Ese almacén tiene una plaga de ratas cabezonas. ¡Cuidado!That store has a plague of big-headed rats. Be careful!
- Vi una rata grande en el callejón.I saw a big rat in the alley.
- Esa rata grande asustó al gato.That big rat scared the cat.
- Hay una rata grande cerca del bote de basura.There is a big rat near the trash can.
Example conversation
María and Javier are looking at a photo in a backyard.
- María¿Viste eso, Javier?Did you see that, Javier?
- JavierSí, era una rata grande.Yes, it was a big rat.
- MaríaMe dio mucho miedo.It scared me a lot.
- JavierNo te preocupes, María.Don't worry, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grande, rata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
