To ask 'what kind of...?', you say '¿qué tipo de...?'. The word after 'de' usually doesn't need 'un' or 'una'. For example, 'un tipo de coche' (a type of car).

Using 'Tipo de'

'Tipo' is a great word to use when you don't know the exact name for something. You can say 'es un tipo de herramienta para...' (it's a type of tool for...).

A Flexible Word

Extremely common. One of the first words you'll learn and use daily to categorize things.

Not for Direct Address

'Tipo' refers to a man. The female equivalent is 'una tipa', but it can sometimes sound a bit more harsh or dismissive, so use it with care.

Gender and Tone

Very common in everyday, informal speech across many Spanish-speaking regions.

In this context, 'tipo' is almost always part of a two-word phrase, like 'tipo de interés' or 'tipo de cambio'. Think of them as a single vocabulary item.

Compound Nouns

Common in specific contexts like news, banking, and economics.

Confusing with 'Tipear'

Very rare. You are unlikely to encounter or need to use this verb form in conversation.

Learn the complete meaning of the Spanish word 'tipo'. Understand its multiple uses as 'type/kind', 'guy', and 'rate' with clear examples, usage tips, and practice quizzes.

tipo

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations