mezquino
/meθˈkino/
The English word petty can be translated into Spanish as mezquino. If unsure, use mezquino. Wiktionary also lists picón.
Meaning: of persons or their behaviour: marked by or reflective of undesirably limited interests, sympathies, or views, preoccupied with subjects having little or no importance and not mindful of broader concerns (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| mezquino | /meθˈkino/ /mesˈkino/ |
| picón | /piˈkon/ |
mezquino is used to describe people or behaviors characterized by limited interests, sympathies or views. It describes someone preoccupied with subjects of little importance who is not mindful of broader concerns. While it describes petty character or behavior, it also carries a strong connotation of being stingy or miserly regarding money.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word Chiquillada can be used to describe petty things or actions, emphasizing childish behavior.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mezquino must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It changes to mezquina for feminine singular nouns and to mezquinos for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/meθˈkino/
Did you know?
- The word mezquino actually traces its roots back to the Arabic word miskīn, which originally meant a 'poor person' or a 'beggar'.
- In certain contexts, using mezquino can sound much more insulting than the English 'petty', as it implies a profound lack of nobility or soul.
- The word picón is often used for someone who is 'petty' specifically because they are easily offended or salty after losing a game.
Examples in context
- El dios del Viejo Testamento es un tirano, sanguinario, mezquino y vengativo.The god of the Old Testament is a blood-thirsty tyrant petty and vengeful.This sentence uses mezquino to describe a vengeful and petty character.Tatoeba #3966093 by hayastan, translation #3739658 by karloelkebekio
- Sería mezquino de mi parte no perdonarte por ello cuando no tenías toda la información sobre la situación.It would be petty of me to not forgive you for it when you did not have all the information about the situation.This sentence shows how mezquino can describe a person's lack of forgiveness in a specific situation.
- En este mundo duro y mezquino donde el dinero habla, su forma de ser es como una ráfaga de aire fresco.In this harsh, petty world where money does the talking, his way of life is like a breath of fresh air.This sentence uses mezquino to describe a harsh and petty world.Tatoeba #633095 by darinmex, translation #18627 by AlanF_US
- No pierdas el tiempo en discutir estas pequeñeces.Don't waste your time arguing over these petty things.
- No deberíamos gastar recursos en esta querella nimia.We shouldn't waste resources on this petty dispute.
- Su mesquinidad se evidencia en su actitud hacia los demás.His pettiness is evident in his attitude towards others.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a former coworker's behavior.
- AlejandroSu comportamiento fue muy mezquino.His behavior was very petty.
- ElenaSí, fue una actitud muy mezquina.Yes, it was a very petty attitude.
- AlejandroNo debería fijarse en detalles tan pequeños.He shouldn't focus on such small details.
- ElenaTienes razón, es un hombre muy mezquino.You're right, he is a very petty man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “petty” translations and entries mezquino, picón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mezquino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
