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How to Say "cheapskate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “cheapskate” is “rata” — use 'rata' when referring to someone who is being stingy in a specific situation, often implying they are being ungenerous or selfish with money, especially in shared expenses.

English → Spanish

rata

RAH-tahˈra.ta

nounB2informal
Use 'rata' when referring to someone who is being stingy in a specific situation, often implying they are being ungenerous or selfish with money, especially in shared expenses.
A cartoon illustration of a person with a worried expression, tightly clutching a small, worn leather coin pouch to their chest with both hands.

Examples

No seas rata y paga la mitad de la cuenta.

Don't be a cheapskate and pay half the bill.

Ese político es una rata; solo piensa en robar.

That politician is a crook; he only thinks about stealing.

Referring to People

When used to describe a person, 'rata' is grammatically feminine (it takes 'la' or 'una'), but it can refer to a man or a woman.

Using the Masculine Form

Mistake: “Using *rato* instead of *rata* when insulting someone.”

Correction: The insult is always *rata*. *Rato* means 'a while' or 'a moment' and has a totally different meaning.

tacaño

nounA2
Use 'tacaño' as a general descriptor for a person who is habitually stingy or miserly, regardless of the specific situation.

Examples

Ese tacaño no quiso pagar su parte de la cena.

That cheapskate didn't want to pay his share of the dinner.

Rata vs. Tacaño

Learners often confuse 'rata' and 'tacaño'. While both mean stingy, 'rata' is more informal and often used for specific instances of stinginess, like refusing to pay for a shared item. 'Tacaño' is a more direct and general label for a stingy person.

Related Translations

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