rata
standard
The word for rat in Puerto Rico is rata. A mouse is a ratón. It is also called Ratas.
Meaning: rodent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| rata | standard |
| Ratón | mouse |
| Ratas | plural |
Say una rata for a rat and un ratón for a smaller mouse. The word ratón is also used for a computer mouse.
Which one should you use?
In daily talk, rata can also be an insult for a sneaky or mean person. Context makes the meaning clear.
How does it change in a sentence?
There is one form for both sexes. To say female you add hembra and to say male you add macho.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses ratón for a computer mouse as well as the animal.
Examples in context
- Vi una rata en el patio.I saw a rat in the yard.
- El gato atrapó al ratón.The cat caught the mouse.
- Hay que controlar las ratas en el barrio.We have to control the rats in the neighborhood.
Example conversation
Neighbors Tomás and Ivelisse talk over the fence in Caguas.
- IvelisseTomás, vi una rata cerca de tu patio.Tomás, I saw a rat near your yard.
- TomásVoy a llamar al exterminador.I am going to call the exterminator.
- IvelisseBuena idea, antes que se meta a la casa.Good idea, before it gets into the house.
