How to Say “Sneaky” in Spanish

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taimado
/taiˈmado/
The English word 'sneaky' translates to Spanish as taimado.
The term is used to describe someone or something that is dishonest or deceitful.
Meaning: dishonest, deceitful (adj)

Which one should you use?

Depending on the context and level of formality, you may choose between taimado, furtivo/a or pillo/a.

Is it said differently in some regions?

Pillo/a is an informal term used specifically in Latin America.

How do you pronounce it?

/taiˈmado/

Did you know?

  • The word taimado shares a surprising history with the word 'obstinate'. It originally comes from the Galician word teimado, which describes someone who is stubborn rather than dishonest.
  • While taimado focuses on the person's character, the word mañoso can describe 'sneaky' or 'devious' behavior, though in some countries it simply means 'handy' or 'skilled'.
  • In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone a pillo is often used more affectionately, similar to calling a child a 'rascal' or a 'scamp'.

Examples in context

  • El niño tiene una mirada astuta, siempre planea travesuras.
    The boy has a sneaky look, he's always planning mischief.
  • 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.
  • Ese ladrón entró al edificio de manera furtiva.
    That thief sneaked into the building.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • No confío en ese hombre taimado.
    I don't trust that sneaky man.
  • Fue un plan taimado para ganar dinero.
    It was a deceitful plan to make money.

Example conversation

Javier and Sofía are discussing a former business partner.

  1. Javier

    Ese socio era muy taimado.
    That partner was very sneaky.
  2. Sofía

    Sí, Javier, siempre nos engañaba.
    Yes, Javier, he was always deceiving us.
  3. Javier

    Me alegra que no trabaje con nosotros.
    I am glad he doesn't work with us.
  4. Sofía

    Es mejor evitar a alguien así.
    It is better to avoid someone like that.

Sources

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Edward Felix
Edward FelixHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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