rato
/ˈʁa.tu/masculine
The English word mouse is translated into Portuguese as rato. Wiktionary also lists camundongo.
Meaning: rodent of the genus Mus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rato | /ˈʁa.tu/ (Brazil) /ˈʁa.tu/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
masculine |
| camundongo | /ka.mũˈdõ.ɡu/ (Brazil) /kɐ.mũˈdõ.ɡu/ (Portugal) |
Brazil, masculine |
The term is used to refer to rodents of the genus Mus. In a technological context, the computer peripheral is also called mouse (often pronounced with a Portuguese accent) or rato.
Which one should you use?
While rato is the general term used for both a mouse and a rat, camundongo is used specifically to refer to the smaller mouse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, camundongo is a common term used to distinguish a small mouse from a larger rat.
How does it change in a sentence?
Rato is a masculine noun. To form the plural, add an 's' to get ratos.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈʁa.tu/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word camundongo has an unexpected African origin, having been borrowed from Kimbundu, a language spoken in Angola.
Examples in context
- O rato é cinza.The mouse is grey.This sentence is useful for describing the color of the rato.Tatoeba #14047727 by Castro5432, translation #12562341 by sundown
- Ele viu um rato.He saw a mouse.This sentence is useful for describing the action of seeing a rato.Tatoeba #5196399 by alexmarcelo, translation #2865175 by Amastan
- Onde está o rato?Where is the mouse?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the rato.Tatoeba #7256917 by iart61, translation #9178536 by Nylez
- Eu comprei um rato de computador novo.I bought a new computer mouse.
- Você viu o mouse do meu computador?Have you seen my computer mouse?
- Onde está o ratinho do meu notebook?Where is the little mouse of my laptop?
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Juliana are in the kitchen at night.
- RodrigoJuliana, eu vi um rato na cozinha!Juliana, I saw a mouse in the kitchen!
- JulianaOnde ele passou, Rodrigo?Where did it go, Rodrigo?
- RodrigoAquele rato correu para debaixo do armário.That mouse ran under the cupboard.
- JulianaQue horror, precisamos chamar alguém.How horrible, we need to call someone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mouse” translations and entries rato, camundongo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries camundongo, rato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
