If you’re looking to expand your vocabulary in Spanish and learn how to express the concept of “stingy” or “cheap,” you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to convey this meaning in Spanish, along with some useful tips, examples, and regional variations. Whether you want to use these terms in everyday conversations or more formal settings, we’ve got you covered!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Stingy” in Spanish
When it comes to expressing the concept of “stingy” formally in Spanish, you can use the following terms:
- Tacaño: This is the most common and widely used formal term for “stingy” in Spanish. It is understood across different Spanish-speaking regions, making it a safe choice in most situations. Example: Mi jefe es muy tacaño. (My boss is very stingy.)
- Ruín: This term is less common but still used formally to describe someone who is stingy. Example: No le presta a nadie, es muy ruín. (He doesn’t lend money to anyone, he is very stingy.)
- Avaro: This word is a bit stronger and implies a certain level of greediness. Example: Mi vecino es muy avaro, no gasta ni un céntimo. (My neighbor is very stingy, he doesn’t spend a penny.)
Informal Ways to Say “Stingy” in Spanish
If you want to express the concept of “stingy” more informally in Spanish, you can use the following terms:
- Codo: This term has an informal connotation and is commonly used to describe someone who is stingy. Example: No me invitó al cine, ¡qué codo! (He didn’t invite me to the movies, how stingy!)
- Rata: While this word literally means “rat,” it is often used informally to describe someone who is cheap or stingy. Example: No quiere gastar dinero en nada, es una rata. (He doesn’t want to spend money on anything, he’s a stingy person.)
- Agarrado/a: This term, specifically used in some Latin American countries, refers to someone who holds on tightly to their money and avoids spending it. Example: Mi abuelo es muy agarrado, no gasta en nada. (My grandfather is very stingy, he doesn’t spend on anything.)
Regional Variations in Expressing “Stingy” in Spanish
While the terms mentioned above are commonly used across Spanish-speaking regions, there are a few regional variations worth noting:
Spain:
In Spain, you can also use the terms “agarrao/a” or “tacañón/tacañona” as informal ways to refer to someone who is stingy.
Mexico:
In Mexico, you may come across the term “codo/a de soga,” which refers to someone who is extremely stingy, even to the point of using a rope to keep their money tightly held.
Argentina:
In Argentina, you may encounter the term “forro” used informally to describe a stingy person. Keep in mind that “forro” can have other meanings in different contexts, so it’s important to use it appropriately.
Conclusion
Expanding your vocabulary to include various ways to say “stingy” in Spanish will enable you to express yourself more accurately in both formal and informal situations. Remember to consider the context and relationship with the person you are describing to ensure your choice of word is appropriate. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
