pareces una rata
/paɾeθes una ɾata/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "you look like a rat" is pareces una rata.
This phrase is used to state that someone's physical appearance resembles that of a rat.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb parecer (to seem or look like), una (a) and rata (rat).
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between pareces una rata and eres una rata. While pareces una rata implies a direct comparison of physical appearance, eres una rata means "you are a rat," which is often used metaphorically to imply a person is a traitor or a thief.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the phrase is Parecés una Rata.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form pareces is the second-person singular informal conjugation of the verb parecer.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾeθes una ɾata/
Did you know?
- The word rata is used in the Spanish expression rata de biblioteca to describe a 'bookworm' who spends all their time in libraries.
- Despite its current meaning, rata shares a root with the English word 'rate' through the Latin rāta, meaning 'established' or 'fixed'.
- In Spanish, the word rata is always feminine, even when referring to a male rat or a man who is being called a 'rat'.
Examples in context
- Con esa nariz, pareces una rata.With that nose, you look like a rat.
- No me gusta tu disfraz, pareces una rata.I don't like your costume, you look like a rat.
- En esta foto, pareces una rata.In this photo, you look like a rat.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are joking around in front of a mirror.
- ElenaMateo, mira tu cara, pareces una rata.Mateo, look at your face, you look like a rat.
- Mateo¡No digas eso, Elena! No es verdad.Don't say that, Elena! It's not true.
- ElenaEs que tienes los dientes muy grandes.It's just that your teeth are very big.
- MateoAhora me has hecho sentir mal.Now you've made me feel bad.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rata, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
