A close-up view of a hand placing coins and a folded bill onto a small, empty ceramic plate resting on a wooden table, symbolizing a gratuity or tip.

propina

proh-PEE-nah

nounfA1

tip?gratuity for service

Also:gratuity?formal term

📝 In Action

¿Dejamos una propina del diez por ciento?

Should we leave a ten percent tip?

El camarero fue muy amable, le daré una buena propina.

The waiter was very kind, I will give him a good tip.

En este restaurante, la propina ya está incluida en la cuenta.

In this restaurant, the gratuity is already included in the bill.

Word Connections

Synonyms

gratificación (gratuity/bonus)

Common Collocations

dejar propina – to leave a tip
incluir la propina – to include the tip
ganar propinas – to earn tips

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun Alert

Remember that 'propina' is always feminine, so you must use 'la propina' (the tip) or 'una propina' (a tip) when talking about it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gender

Mistake: "El propina es obligatoria."

Correction: La propina es obligatoria. (The tip is mandatory.) Always use the feminine article 'la'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Cultural Context

Tipping customs vary widely across Spanish-speaking countries. In some places, tipping is appreciated but not strictly required; in others, like Mexico, it is generally expected, especially in tourist areas.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: propina

Question 1 of 1

If you say 'La propina es obligatoria,' what are you referring to?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

propinita(small tip (diminutive)) - noun

propinero/a(person who depends on tips (often informal)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'propina' the same as 'cambio'?

No. 'Propina' is the voluntary money you give for service (the tip). 'Cambio' means 'change' or 'the money you get back' after paying, although sometimes people may leave the 'cambio' as the 'propina'.

How do I ask if the tip is included?

You can ask, '¿Está incluida la propina?' (Is the tip included?) or '¿Se incluye el servicio?' (Is the service charge included?).