ambicioso
/ambiˈθjoso/
In Spanish, the English phrase 'paper chaser' can be expressed as ambicioso.
The term is used to describe a person who is focused on making a lot of money and achieving financial success.
Which one should you use?
While ambicioso focuses on the trait of ambition, the colloquial term buscavidas can be used to describe a 'hustler' or someone constantly seeking ways to make a living or improve their situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective ambicioso must agree in gender with the person being described. Use the feminine form ambiciosa when referring to a woman.
How do you pronounce it?
/ambiˈθjoso/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone ambicioso can be a subtle insult implying they lack moral limits, whereas in English, it is often used as a compliment in business circles.
- The root of ambicioso is linked to the Latin ambitio, which originally referred to the act of walking around to solicit votes for political office.
- The word ambicioso is a distant relative of the English word 'ambient'. Both share the Latin root ambi, meaning 'around'.
Examples in context
- ¡Ese tipo es un cazafortunas! Siempre busca la oportunidad de ganar dinero rápido.That guy is a paper chaser! He's always looking for quick money-making opportunities.
- Roberto es un buscavidas nato. Siempre encuentra la forma de hacer dinero.Roberto is a natural paper chaser. He always finds ways to make money.
- Él es un ambicioso que solo piensa en el dinero.He is an ambitious person who only thinks about money.
- No seas tan ambicioso con tus negocios.Don't be so money-driven with your businesses.
- Ese hombre es muy ambicioso y siempre busca el éxito financiero.That man is very ambitious and always seeks financial success.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing a new coworker at the office.
- Sofía¿Has visto cómo trabaja el nuevo?Have you seen how the new guy works?
- AlejandroSí, es un ambicioso que vive por el dinero.Yes, he is a paper chaser who lives for money.
- SofíaEs verdad, siempre está buscando el siguiente ascenso.It's true, he is always looking for the next promotion.
- AlejandroNo se detendrá hasta ser millonario.He won't stop until he is a millionaire.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ambicioso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
