Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| propina | /pɾoˈpina/ | feminine |
| yapa | /ˈʝapa/ | feminine |
| ñapa | /ˈɲapa/ | feminine |
| llapa | /ʝapa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| ipegüe | /iˈpeɡwe/ | masculine |
The term refers to a reward provided freely, without obligation. In a service context, you can use the verb phrase dejar propina to express the act of leaving a tip.
Which one should you use?
propina is the standard word used for a monetary tip given for service, such as in a restaurant. In contrast, yapa refers to a small extra portion or a bonus item given for free, rather than a monetary tip. The term propinilla is a diminutive of propina specifically used to refer to a small or modest gratuity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
ñapa is a common regional variation of yapa used in many Latin American countries to mean a small free extra.
How does it change in a sentence?
propina is a feminine noun. The plural form is las propinas (the tips). The form ipegüe is a masculine noun. The forms yapa, ñapa and llapa are all feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈpina/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the word propina can refer to a small payment made to a public official to speed up a process, rather than a reward for service.
- The word propina comes from the Latin verb propinō, which meant 'to toast' or 'to offer a drink'.
- Unlike the English 'tip' which usually flows from customer to server, the terms yapa and ñapa describe a gratuity that flows from the seller to the buyer.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es el monto de la propina, por favor?What is the amount of the gratuity, please?
- Vamos a dejar una propinilla para el camarero.Let's leave a small gratuity for the waiter.
- El servicio fue excelente, ¿cuánto dejamos de propina?The service was excellent, how much should we leave as a gratuity?
- Voy a dejar una propina de 5 euros.I am going to leave a gratuity of 5 euros.
- Aquí tienes una propinilla por el buen servicio.Here's a small gratuity for the excellent service.
- ¡Muchas gracias por el servicio excepcional! Aquí tienes algo extra como muestra de nuestra gratitud.Thank you so much for the outstanding service! Here's something extra as a token of our appreciation.
- Estamos muy agradecidos por tu amabilidad. Te dejamos una propina generosa.We are very grateful for your kindness. We are leaving you a generous gratuity.
- La propina no está incluida en la cuenta.The tip is not included in the bill.
- Dejé una propina generosa para el camarero.I left a generous tip for the waiter.
- ¿Es obligatorio dejar propina en este restaurante?Is it mandatory to leave a tip in this restaurant?
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are at a café after lunch.
- DanielLa cuenta es de veinte euros.The bill is twenty euros.
- ElenaMuy bien, ¿quieres dejar propina?Very well, do you want to leave a tip?
- DanielSí, dejaré dos euros de propina.Yes, I will leave two euros as a tip.
- ElenaMe parece una buena idea, Daniel.I think that is a good idea, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gratuity” translations and entries propina, yapa, ñapa, ipegüe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries propina, yapa, ñapa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
