Inklingo

How to Say "cheating" in Spanish

English → Spanish

engañando

en-gah-NYAHN-doh/eŋ.ɡaˈɲan.do/

VerbB1General
Use this when referring to the act of deceiving someone, often in a transactional or informational context, like a salesperson misleading a customer.
A colorful storybook illustration showing one child hiding a toy behind their back while smiling slyly and showing empty hands to another confused child.

Examples

Creo que el vendedor nos está engañando con el precio.

I think the salesperson is deceiving us with the price.

Ella sigue engañando a sus padres sobre sus notas.

She keeps tricking her parents about her grades.

Llevaba meses engañando a su pareja, pero ella no lo sabía.

He had been cheating on his partner for months, but she didn't know it.

The Continuous Action

"Engañando" is the '-ando' form, which shows an action that is currently happening or ongoing. You usually use it with a form of the verb 'estar' (like 'está engañando').

Adverbial Use

This form can also explain how an action is performed, acting like an adverb. Example: 'Llegó cantando' (He arrived singing).

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Él es engañando.”

Correction: Él está engañando. Remember, continuous actions always use the verb 'estar' (to be) plus the '-ando' form.

trampas

trahm-pahs/ˈtɾampas/

NounB1General
This is used specifically for dishonest behavior in academic settings (like exams) or in games and sports.
A storybook illustration showing a cartoon fox cheating at a simple card game against a rabbit by secretly hiding a card behind its back.

Examples

El profesor descubrió que algunos estudiantes hacían trampas en el examen final.

The professor discovered that some students were cheating on the final exam.

No me gusta jugar con él porque siempre hace trampas.

I don't like playing with him because he always uses tricks (cheats).

Usaron trampas fiscales para evadir impuestos, lo cual es ilegal.

They used tax tricks (schemes) to evade taxes, which is illegal.

Always Plural

Even when you are talking about a single act of cheating, Spanish usually uses the plural form 'trampas' with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make).

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Hizo una trampa en el juego.”

Correction: Hizo trampas en el juego. (The singular 'una trampa' usually means a physical trap or snare.)

cuerno

/KWER-noh//ˈkweɾno/

NounB2Informal
Use this colloquial term when referring to infidelity within a romantic relationship, meaning to be unfaithful to a partner.
A broken red heart shape split down the middle with a sad expression.

Examples

Ella le puso los cuernos con un compañero de trabajo.

She cheated on him with a coworker.

The Verb 'Poner'

In this context, we always use the verb 'poner' (to put) to describe the act of cheating.

Careful with this word!

Mistake: “Telling someone they 'have horns' (tienes cuernos).”

Correction: This is a major insult in many Spanish-speaking cultures. Only use it if you are prepared for a very angry reaction!

Distinguishing Infidelity from Deception

Learners often confuse 'engañando' (deceiving in general) with 'cuerno' (infidelity). Remember that 'cuerno' is specifically for romantic unfaithfulness, while 'engañando' is a broader term for being tricked or misled in any situation.

Related Translations

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