Spanish word

rata

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈrata/

Meaning

  • feminine nounrat

Example

Vi una rata en el jardín.

I saw a rat in the garden.

Illustration for rata (rat)

More examples

No seas rata y comparte el postre.

Don't be a cheapskate and share the dessert.

Core concept

Small rodent with pointed snout and long tail active at night.

Common phrases

  • rata de laboratorio

    laboratory rat

  • rata callejera

    street rat

  • ser una rata

    be a cheapskate

Similar words

ratón: Tiny, house- and garden-associated rodent, quick-moving and wary of people.
roedor: Tooth-gnawing mammal characterized by strong incisors that continually grow.

Definition in Spanish

Pequeño roedor de orejas y cola largas, de hábitos a menudo nocturnos; coloquialmente, insulto para una persona mezquina o despreciable.

Word origin

Spanish rata derives from Latin rattus through Romance developments, keeping the animal sense first and then developing a derogatory human sense referring to stinginess or moral contempt.

Usage tips

  • In everyday speech, the phrase ser una rata commonly labels someone as stingy or despicable, so context and tone indicate whether it targets money habits or character.

Other meanings

  • cheapskatenoun

Related words

  • rateropetty thiefnoun
  • rateríathieverynoun

Word lists with this word