tacaño
“tacaño” means “stingy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
stingy
Also: cheap, tight-fisted
📝 In Action
Mi tío es muy tacaño y nunca deja propina.
A2My uncle is very stingy and never leaves a tip.
No seas tacaño con los detalles, cuéntame toda la historia.
B1Don't be stingy with the details; tell me the whole story.
A pesar de ser millonario, lleva una vida tacaña.
B2Despite being a millionaire, he leads a stingy life.
cheapskate
Also: miser
📝 In Action
Ese tacaño no quiso pagar su parte de la cena.
A2That cheapskate didn't want to pay his share of the dinner.
El viejo tacaño de la novela vivía solo.
B1The old miser in the novel lived alone.
No seas un tacaño y ayúdanos con la colecta.
B2Don't be a cheapskate and help us with the collection.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "tacaño" in Spanish:
miser→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tacaño
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct way to say 'She is very stingy'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely from the Italian word 'taccagno', which originally referred to someone who was tricky or mean. It was adopted into Spanish during the 16th century.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tacaño' an insult?
Generally, yes. It is a negative way to describe someone's character. If you want to be neutral, use 'ahorrativo' (thrifty).
Can I use 'tacaño' to describe a small portion of food?
Yes! If a restaurant gives you a very small amount of food for a high price, you can informally say the portion is 'tacaña'.
What is the difference between 'tacaño' and 'avaro'?
'Tacaño' is a everyday word for someone who doesn't like to spend. 'Avaro' (miserly) is a stronger, more literary word for someone who hoards money and is greedy.