Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ahorro | /aˈoro/ | masculine |
| parsimonia | /paɾsiˈmonja/ | feminine |
| parquedad | /paɾkeˈdad/ | feminine |
In Spanish, 'thrift' is expressed through words that describe the characteristic of using a minimum of something.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on your specific meaning: use ahorro when referring to the economic practice of saving money or resources. Use parsimonia to imply an excessive or stingy lack of spending, often with a negative connotation of being miserly. And use parquedad when describing a thriftiness related to the scarcity or limited quantity of something, such as words or resources.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, austeridad is often used when highlighting the idea of thrift or frugality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form ahorros is commonly used to refer to one's accumulated savings or money kept in a bank.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈoro/
Did you know?
- While parsimonia means 'thrift' or 'stinginess' in a financial sense, it is most commonly used in Spanish to describe a slow, calm and leisurely pace of movement or speech.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'thrift' is often tied to the virtue of sobriedad, which implies a disciplined, moderate way of living without excess.
- The word parquedad is frequently applied to a person's speech. A hombre parco is not necessarily a thrifty man, but someone who is laconic and uses very few words.
Examples in context
- La clave para una vida económica es practicar el ahorro en todas las áreas.The key to an economical life is practicing thrift in all areas.
- El gobierno está promoviendo la economía entre sus ciudadanos para enfrentar la crisis.The government is promoting thrift among its citizens to face the crisis.
- No hay necesidad de tacañería. Podemos disfrutar de nuestros ahorros de vez en cuando.There's no need for excessive thriftiness. We can enjoy our savings from time to time.
- Estoy pasando por unos aprietos económicos, así que tengo que aplicar la creatividad y el ahorro.I'm going through some financial difficulties, so I have to apply creativity and thrift.
- El ahorro es vital en tiempos de crisis.Thrift is vital in times of crisis.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about their monthly budget.
- SofíaNecesitamos practicar más el ahorro este mes.We need to practice more thrift this month.
- AlejandroTienes razón, gastamos demasiado en cenas.You're right, we spend too much on dinners.
- SofíaEl ahorro nos ayudará a viajar en verano.Thrift will help us travel in the summer.
- AlejandroEstá bien, cocinaré más en casa.Alright, I will cook at home more.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thrift” translations and entries ahorro, parsimonia, parquedad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
