Inklingo

How to Say "cheat" in Spanish

English → Spanish

trampa

tram-paˈtɾampa

nounB1general
Use 'trampa' when referring to the act of deceiving someone or breaking rules, especially in games, exams, or relationships.
Two children playing a board game. One child is discreetly hiding a die in their hand under the table while looking around mischievously.

Examples

Hacer trampa en el examen es inaceptable.

Cheating on the exam is unacceptable.

¡Me hiciste trampa! El juego no funciona así.

You tricked me! The game doesn't work that way.

La oferta era una trampa para que firmáramos el contrato.

The offer was a trick (a setup) to make us sign the contract.

Using the Verb 'Hacer'

To express the action 'to cheat' in Spanish, we usually use the verb 'hacer' (to make/do): 'hacer trampa'. You almost never use the verb 'cheatear'.

Mixing up the Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Yo trampo.”

Correction: Yo hago trampa. ('Trampa' is the noun, 'hacer' is the verb needed for the action.)

ladrón

nounC1informal
Use 'ladrón' to describe a product, service, or even a person that is excessively expensive, inefficient, or wastes your time or resources.

Examples

Esa aplicación es un ladrón de datos; consume toda mi batería.

That app is a data drain; it consumes all my battery.

Act vs. Overpriced Item

Learners often confuse 'trampa' and 'ladrón' by using 'trampa' for things that are simply overpriced or inefficient. Remember, 'trampa' is about the act of deception or rule-breaking, while 'ladrón' refers to something that 'steals' your money or resources through poor value.

Related Translations

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