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ratón means mouse — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 3, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

ratón

noun • /[rah-TON]/

mouse

Example:

El ratón no funciona.

The mouse doesn't work.

🧠 What does ratón mean?

The Spanish word 'ratón' is a masculine noun that refers to two distinct but common concepts. Primarily, it denotes a small rodent, often characterized by its long tail, known in English as a mouse. This usage is literal and refers to the animal itself. Secondarily, 'ratón' is also the term used for the computer accessory, the device used to control a cursor on a screen, which is also called a mouse in English. The context of the conversation or sentence will typically clarify which meaning is intended.

📚 Extra examples

  • Un pequeño ratón se escondió detrás del mueble.
    A small mouse hid behind the furniture.
  • Necesito comprar un ratón nuevo para mi computadora.
    I need to buy a new mouse for my computer.
  • El gato persiguió al ratón por toda la casa.
    The cat chased the mouse all over the house.
  • El ratón del portátil está muy sensible.
    The laptop's mouse is very sensitive.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'ratón' is an example of a homograph in Spanish, meaning it is spelled the same but has different meanings. In this case, it refers to both the small rodent and the computer peripheral, with context being key to understanding which is meant.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ratón"

Synonyms: roedor

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'mouse' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'mouse' is 'ratón'.
How do you pronounce 'ratón' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'ratón' is roughly 'rah-TON'. The 'r' at the beginning is a soft tap, and the 'ón' at the end is a nasal sound, similar to the 'on' in 'song', but with the 'n' sound more forward in the mouth.
How do you use 'ratón' in a sentence?
To use 'ratón' in a sentence, you would typically refer to either the animal or the computer device. For example, 'Vi un ratón en la cocina' (I saw a mouse in the kitchen) or 'Mi ratón de computadora no funciona' (My computer mouse isn't working).
What is the English translation of 'ratón'?
The English translation of 'ratón' is 'mouse'.
Does 'ratón' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'ratón' is a masculine noun. Its plural form is 'ratones'. For example, 'un ratón' (a mouse) and 'dos ratones' (two mice).
Is 'ratón' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'ratón' is a very common word used in everyday Spanish, referring to both the animal and the computer accessory.
Does 'ratón' have slang or double meanings?
While the primary meanings are the animal and the computer device, in some informal contexts, 'ratón de biblioteca' (literally 'library mouse') refers to someone who reads a lot and spends a lot of time in libraries. It's not typically considered slang in a negative way, but rather a descriptive idiom.
Is 'ratón' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'ratón' for both the animal and the computer accessory are consistent across Spain and Latin America. The idiom 'ratón de biblioteca' is also understood widely.

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