Inklingo

How to Say "paltry" in Spanish

English → Spanish

insignificante

een-seeg-nee-fee-KAHN-tehinsiɣnifiˈkante

adjectiveB2general
Use this word when referring to amounts, especially of money, that are so small they are not worth considering or are negligible.
A single tiny crumb on a clean wooden table.

Examples

La diferencia de precio entre las dos tiendas es insignificante.

The price difference between the two stores is negligible.

Recibió una cantidad insignificante de dinero.

He received a paltry amount of money.

mezquino

mess-KEE-nohmesˈkino

adjectiveB1informal
Use this word to describe an amount that is stingy or insufficient, often implying a lack of generosity, particularly when referring to tips or shared expenses.
A person holding a single small coin tightly while pulling a large bag of money away from others.

Examples

No seas mezquino y deja una buena propina.

Don't be stingy and leave a good tip.

Es un hombre rico, pero muy mezquino con su familia.

He is a rich man, but very miserly with his family.

Nos dieron una ración mezquina de comida.

They gave us a paltry serving of food.

Gender and Number

This word must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'mezquino' for a man or masculine object, and 'mezquina' for a woman or feminine object.

Mezquino vs. Tacaño

Mistake: “Using 'mezquino' for just a regular 'cheap' person.”

Correction: While they are similar, 'mezquino' sounds more formal and often implies the person is morally small-minded, not just careful with money.

Mezquino vs. Insignificante

Learners often confuse 'mezquino' and 'insignificante' because both can refer to small amounts. Remember that 'mezquino' carries a negative connotation of stinginess or meanness, while 'insignificante' is more neutral, simply meaning unimportant or negligible.

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