propina
/pɾoˈpina/
The Spanish word for "money tip" is propina.
A propina refers to a small amount of extra money given to a service worker as a reward for their work. To describe the act of tipping, you can use the phrase dejar propina (to leave a tip) or dar propina (to give a tip).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of propina is propinas.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈpina/
Did you know?
- The word propina originally had nothing to do with money, but instead referred to a drink offered to a guest as a gesture of hospitality.
- In Spain, tipping is often seen as an optional gesture of genuine appreciation rather than a social obligation or a percentage-based requirement.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the word propina can refer to any small gift or token of gratitude given to a person, even if it is not money.
Examples in context
- Siempre estoy buscando un buen consejo de ahorro.I'm always looking for a good money-saving tip.
- Ana siempre tiene buenos trucos para ahorrar dinero.Ana always has good money-saving tips.
- La propina es muy importante para los camareros.The tip is very important for the waiters.
- Dejé una propina generosa en la mesa.I left a generous tip on the table.
- ¿Quieres incluir la propina en la cuenta?Do you want to include the tip in the bill?
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are finishing a meal at a restaurant.
- SofíaEl servicio fue excelente, ¿dejas propina?The service was excellent, do you leave a tip?
- DanielSí, siempre dejo una propina en este lugar.Yes, I always leave a tip in this place.
- SofíaYo también, Daniel, porque son muy amables.Me too, Daniel, because they are very kind.
- DanielDe acuerdo, pagaré la cuenta ahora.Alright, I will pay the bill now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry propina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries propina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
