Also means
miser (colloquial)
Usage Note
Rata is the common rat (Rattus spp.) and is feminine. Colloquially, calling someone a rata means they are a cheapskate or miser, a sense widespread across Spain and Latin America. The diminutive ratita is used affectionately for a small mouse-like creature. Note that ratón (mouse) is a separate, smaller animal — learners should not conflate the two.
Examples
"Encontraron una rata en el sótano del edificio."
Natural Translation
They found a rat in the basement of the building.
Related Words
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