Inklingo
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ratón

/rrah-TONE/

mouse

A small, cute gray mouse with big ears, whiskers, and a long tail, sitting on a wooden surface.

The most common translation of ratón is 'mouse,' referring to the small rodent.

ratón(noun)

mA1

mouse

?

small rodent

Also:

field mouse

?

rodent species

📝 In Action

El gato atrapó un ratón en la despensa.

A1

The cat caught a mouse in the pantry.

Los ratones son pequeños y rápidos.

A2

Mice are small and fast.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • múridos (murids (scientific term))

Common Collocations

  • trampa para ratones – mousetrap
  • ruido de ratón – squeak (of a mouse)

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Consistency

Even if you are referring to a female mouse, you usually still use the masculine word 'el ratón' unless you specifically need to emphasize the sex, in which case you might use 'la ratona'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Plural Form

Mistake: "Using 'ratóns' for the plural."

Correction: The correct plural form is 'ratones,' as words ending in a consonant add '-es' to become plural.

⭐ Usage Tips

Diminutive Form

To talk about a cute or small mouse, use the diminutive: 'ratoncito' (little mouse).

A simple, ergonomic black computer mouse with a scroll wheel resting on a desk.

Ratón also translates to 'mouse' when referring to the computer input device.

ratón(noun)

mA1

mouse

?

computer device

Also:

cursor control

?

technical

📝 In Action

Haz clic con el ratón en el icono azul.

A1

Click the blue icon with the mouse.

Necesito cambiar las pilas de mi ratón inalámbrico.

A2

I need to change the batteries in my wireless mouse.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • puntero (cursor)

Common Collocations

  • ratón óptico – optical mouse
  • ratón inalámbrico – wireless mouse

💡 Grammar Points

Metaphorical Naming

The computer device is called 'ratón' because its shape and the cable (like a tail) reminded early users of the animal.

⭐ Usage Tips

Common Verb

The verb used when using the computer mouse is 'hacer clic' (to click).

A small child peeking nervously from behind a large pair of hands covering their face, depicting timidity.

Figuratively, ratón can mean 'scaredy-cat,' describing a timid or fearful person.

ratón(noun)

mB1

scaredy-cat

?

timid or fearful person

Also:

coward

?

figurative insult

📝 In Action

¡No seas un ratón! Atrévete a probar la montaña rusa.

B1

Don't be a scaredy-cat! Dare to try the roller coaster.

Ella es muy ratona y nunca habla en público.

B2

She is very timid and never speaks in public. (Note: using 'ratona' for a female person)

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • valiente (brave)

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

This meaning is based on the animal's tendency to hide or run away when frightened. It is often used as a light-hearted criticism.

⭐ Usage Tips

Gender Difference

When referring to a person, you can use 'un ratón' (male) or 'una ratona' (female) to match the person's gender.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: ratón

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'ratón' to refer to a piece of technology?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

ratonera(mousetrap) - noun
ratona(female mouse / timid woman) - noun
ratoncito(little mouse) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'ratón' masculine ('el ratón') even if the animal is female?

In Spanish, the gender of the noun often refers to the word itself, not the biological sex. 'Ratón' is inherently a masculine noun. If you need to specify a female mouse, you would use 'la ratona,' but 'el ratón' is the standard term for the species.

How do I know if 'ratón' means the animal or the computer device?

Context is key! If you hear verbs like 'hacer clic' (to click) or words like 'inalámbrico' (wireless), it refers to the computer device. If you hear verbs like 'correr' (to run) or words like 'trampa' (trap), it refers to the animal.