astuto
ah-STOO-toh
/asˈtuto/
📝 In Action
El zorro es un animal muy astuto.
A2The fox is a very cunning animal.
Ella es una negociadora astuta; siempre consigue el mejor precio.
B1She is a shrewd negotiator; she always gets the best price.
Necesitas ser astuto para ganar este juego de estrategia.
B2You need to be clever to win this strategy game.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'astuto' must match the person or thing it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): astuto (m. sing.), astuta (f. sing.), astutos (m. plur.), astutas (f. plur).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Cleverness
Mistake: “Using 'astuto' when you just mean generally 'smart' (like good grades).”
Correction: Use 'inteligente' or 'listo' for general smartness. 'Astuto' implies a specific, often strategic or crafty type of cleverness.
⭐ Usage Tips
Positive vs. Negative
Depending on the context, 'astuto' can be a compliment (shrewd, sharp) or a criticism (cunning, manipulative). Listen to the speaker's tone!
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: astuto
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'astuto' in a negative or critical way?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'astuto' always a bad thing?
'Astuto' is neutral, but often leans negative. If you call someone 'astuto,' you mean they are clever in a strategic way, possibly using tricks. If you want a purely positive word for smart, use 'inteligente' or 'brillante'.
What is the difference between 'listo' and 'astuto'?
'Listo' means smart or ready for a task. 'Astuto' specifically means shrewd or cunning—it suggests a person is very good at figuring out how to get their way, often subtly.