apretado
“apretado” means “tight” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
tight
Also: cramped, squeezed
📝 In Action
Estos zapatos me quedan muy apretados.
A2These shoes are very tight on me.
El metro iba tan apretado que no podía moverme.
B1The subway was so cramped that I couldn't move.
busy/packed
Also: close/neck-and-neck
📝 In Action
Tengo un horario muy apretado hoy.
B1I have a very busy schedule today.
Fue un partido muy apretado; ganamos por un punto.
B2It was a very close game; we won by one point.
stingy
Also: cheap
📝 In Action
No seas apretado, deja una buena propina.
B2Don't be stingy, leave a good tip.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: apretado
Question 1 of 2
Which of these would you describe as 'apretado' if it were too small for you?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Spanish verb 'apretar', which comes from the Latin 'appectorare'—literally meaning 'to press something against the chest'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'apretado' to describe a person?
Yes. Depending on the country, it can mean someone who is physically 'buff' (tight muscles) or, more commonly in Latin America, someone who is stingy with money.
What is the difference between 'apretado' and 'estrecho'?
Think of 'estrecho' as the physical width of a place (a narrow bridge). Think of 'apretado' as how things are packed together (a tight shirt or a crowded room).