pareces una cucaracha
/paɾeθes una kukaɾat͡ʃa/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "you look like a roach" is pareces una cucaracha.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb pareces is the second-person singular indicative form of parecer, which is used when addressing someone informally. Changing the verb to parece shifts the subject from the informal "you" to "he", "she" or the formal "you".
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾeθes una kukaɾatʃa/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, calling someone a cucaracha can be a specific slang term for a person who is a gossip or a 'snitch'.
- The word cucaracha originally comes from cuca, which referred to a butterfly caterpillar rather than a household pest.
- The word cucaracha was the title of a famous song and dance that became a global craze and was closely associated with the Mexican Revolution.
Examples in context
- Pareces una cucarachaYou look like a roach
- Pareces una cucaracha con esa ropa.You look like a roach in those clothes.
- No me hables, pareces una cucaracha.Don't talk to me, you look like a roach.
- Con ese color de piel, pareces una cucaracha.With that skin tone, you look like a roach.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are arguing about a costume for a party.
- Elena¿Te gusta mi nuevo disfraz?Do you like my new costume?
- DanielNo, pareces una cucaracha.No, you look like a roach.
- Elena¡Qué grosero eres, Daniel!You are so rude, Daniel!
- DanielSolo digo la verdad.I am only telling the truth.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cucaracha, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
