propina
/pɾoˈpina/
The English phrase "tip money" is translated into Spanish as propina.
Propina refers to a small amount of extra money given to a service worker as a reward for good service. To express the action of leaving a tip, you can use the verb phrase dejar propina. If you want to check if a service charge has already been added to your bill, you can ask about servicio incluido.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Propina is a common term used to refer to tip money in many Spanish-speaking countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of propina is propinas.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈpina/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, specifically in parts of Mexico, propina can be used colloquially to refer to a bribe.
- The word propina originally had nothing to do with money or service, but instead referred to the act of offering a toast or a drink to someone.
- In Spain, it is common to leave a propina of just a few cents or small coins to round up a bill, rather than a fixed percentage.
Examples in context
- Aquí tiene el dinero para propinaHere is the tip money.
- Quisiera dejar algo de dinero de gratificaciónI would like to leave some tip money.
- Aquí tienes la propinaHere is the tip.
- ¿La cuenta incluye la propina?¿Does the bill include the tip?
- Dejé una propina por el buen servicio.I left a tip for the good service.
- ¿Es obligatorio dejar propina en este restaurante?Is it mandatory to leave a tip in this restaurant?
- La propina ya está incluida en la cuenta.The tip is already included in the bill.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are finishing a meal at a cafe.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿dejamos propina para el camarero?Sofía, shall we leave a tip for the waiter?
- SofíaSí, fue muy amable con nosotros.Yes, he was very kind to us.
- AlejandroDejaré la propina en la mesa.I will leave the tip on the table.
- SofíaPerfecto, yo pagaré la cuenta principal.Perfect, I will pay the main bill.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry propina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries propina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
