Welcome to our guide on how to say “sneaky” in Spanish! In this comprehensive article, we’ll provide you with various ways to express this term, both formally and informally. We’ll offer regional variations when necessary, alongside helpful tips and examples. So, let’s dive right in and explore the different ways to describe “sneaky” in Spanish!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Sneaky” in Spanish
When it comes to formal expressions of “sneaky” in Spanish, you might want to use the following terms and phrases:
- 1. Astuto/a: This word translates directly to “sneaky” and is the most common formal term used in Spanish. It conveys the idea of someone who is cunning, clever, or sly. For example:
El niño tiene una mirada astuta, siempre planea travesuras. (The boy has a sneaky look, he’s always planning mischief.)
- 2. Taimado/a: This term refers to someone who is crafty or deceitful, often implying that their actions are underhanded or insidious. It’s a slightly more formal way to describe someone as “sneaky.” Here’s an example:
María es taimada; siempre encuentra una manera de obtener lo que quiere. (María is sneaky; she always finds a way to get what she wants.)
- 3. Furtivo/a: This word emphasizes secrecy and suggests someone who behaves in a sly or sneaky manner while trying to remain unnoticed. It can be used to describe both people and actions. For instance:
Ese ladrón entró al edificio de manera furtiva. (That thief sneaked into the building.)
Informal Ways to Say “Sneaky” in Spanish
If you’re looking for casual or everyday language to describe someone as “sneaky” in Spanish, consider the following options:
- 1. Vivo/a: This term is commonly used in colloquial Spanish to describe someone as “sneaky” or “sharp.” It implies that the person is quick-witted and often one step ahead of others. Here’s an example:
Juan es un tipo muy vivo, siempre encuentra una manera de evadir las reglas. (Juan is a very sneaky guy, he always finds a way to evade the rules.)
- 2. Zorro/a: Meaning “fox,” this informal term is often used to describe someone as “sneaky” or “cunning.” It refers to someone who is clever and resourceful in achieving their goals. For instance:
Marta es una zorra; siempre está planeando algo detrás de escenas. (Marta is sneaky; she’s always plotting something behind the scenes.)
- 3. Pillo/a: This term is used in Latin America, particularly in some countries like Mexico, to describe someone as “sneaky” or “mischievous.” It usually carries a playful connotation. Here’s an example:
Los niños son muy pilluelos; siempre se las arreglan para hacer cosas traviesas. (The kids are very sneaky; they always manage to do mischievous things.)
Wrap-Up
We’ve covered a range of formal and informal ways to say “sneaky” in Spanish. Remember, astuto/a is the most common formal term, while vivo/a and zorro/a are commonly used in informal contexts. Additionally, pillo/a is an informal term used in certain Latin American countries.
Make sure to consider the appropriate context and tone when using these terms, as some may carry different implications depending on the region and situation. As with any language, it’s essential to practice and adapt your vocabulary usage to best fit the desired meaning.
We hope this guide has been helpful to you! Now you’re armed with a variety of ways to express “sneaky” in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte (good luck) as you incorporate these terms into your conversations!
