Inklingo

How to Say "deceptive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

engañoso

adjectiveB1general
Use 'engañoso' when referring to something that appears to be one way but is actually another, often related to appearances or general misleading information.

Examples

Las apariencias son engañosas.

Appearances are deceptive.

tramposo

trahm-POH-sohtɾamˈposo

adjectiveA2informal
Choose 'tramposo' when describing someone or something that cheats or uses dishonest methods, especially in games, competitions, or specific situations designed to trick.
A child hiding a card behind their back while playing a card game.

Examples

No quiero jugar con él porque es muy tramposo.

I don't want to play with him because he is a big cheater.

Ese es un truco tramposo para ganar el nivel.

That is a sneaky trick to win the level.

Sus tácticas tramposas fueron descubiertas por el árbitro.

His cheating tactics were discovered by the referee.

Matching the Ending

Since this is an adjective, you must change the 'o' to an 'a' if you are describing a woman or a feminine object (e.g., 'una niña tramposa').

Using with 'Ser'

We almost always use 'ser' with this word because we are describing a person's character or a fixed quality of a game.

Cheater vs. Cheat

Mistake: “Hacer tramposo.”

Correction: Say 'hacer trampa' for the action of cheating, and use 'ser tramposo' to describe the person.

traicionero

adjectiveB2general
Use 'traicionero' for something that appears safe or harmless but is actually dangerous or harmful, often implying a hidden danger or betrayal.

Examples

Sus actos traicioneros fueron descubiertos rápidamente.

Their treacherous acts were quickly discovered.

Engañoso vs. Tramposo

Learners often confuse 'engañoso' and 'tramposo'. Remember that 'engañoso' is about general misleading appearances or information, while 'tramposo' specifically refers to cheating or dishonest tactics, often in a playful or competitive context.

Related Translations

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