How to Say "shrewd" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “shrewd” is “astuto” — use 'astuto' when describing someone or something as cunning, clever, and often resourceful, especially in achieving goals or navigating tricky situations.
astuto
ah-STOO-tohasˈtuto
Examples
El zorro es un animal muy astuto.
The fox is a very cunning animal.
Ella es una negociadora astuta; siempre consigue el mejor precio.
She is a shrewd negotiator; she always gets the best price.
Necesitas ser astuto para ganar este juego de estrategia.
You need to be clever to win this strategy game.
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'astuto' must match the person or thing it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): astuto (m. sing.), astuta (f. sing.), astutos (m. plur.), astutas (f. plur).
Confusing Cleverness
Mistake: “Using 'astuto' when you just mean generally 'smart' (like good grades).”
Correction: Use 'inteligente' or 'listo' for general smartness. 'Astuto' implies a specific, often strategic or crafty type of cleverness.
despierto
des-PYEHR-tohdesˈpjeɾto
Examples
Es un hombre de negocios muy despierto.
He is a very sharp businessman.
La niña es muy despierta y aprende rápido.
The girl is very clever and learns quickly.
Figurative Sense
In this meaning, 'despierto' describes a lasting quality, so it often pairs with 'ser' (to be permanent) to talk about someone's character: 'Es despierto' (He is clever).
sabido
sah-BEE-dohsaˈβi.ðo
Examples
Ese es un hecho muy sabido por todos en la oficina.
That is a very well-known fact by everyone in the office.
Dicen que el nuevo jefe es muy sabido y no se le escapa nada.
They say the new boss is very cunning, and nothing gets past him.
La respuesta ya era sabida por la audiencia.
The answer was already known by the audience.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'sabido' must match the thing it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): sabido (m. sing.), sabida (f. sing.), sabidos (m. plural), sabidas (f. plural).
Confusing 'Known' Meanings
Mistake: “Using 'sabido' to mean 'a person I know well' (e.g., *un amigo sabido*).”
Correction: Use 'conocido' for 'acquaintance' or 'familiar person.' 'Sabido' usually refers to facts or shrewd character traits.
avisado
ah-bee-SAH-dohaβiˈsaðo
Examples
Es un hombre avisado que no se deja engañar fácilmente.
He is a shrewd man who isn't easily fooled.
The 'Wise' Meaning
In this context, the word usually comes after the noun (e.g., 'un inversor avisado') to describe a permanent quality of being smart and careful.
mendigo
men-DEE-gomenˈdi.ɣo
Examples
¡No seas mendigo y ayúdame!
Don't be mean and help me!
Ese mendigo perro me robó el zapato.
That wretched dog stole my shoe.
Hace un mendigo calor hoy.
It is miserably hot today.
Adjective placement
When used for emphasis (like 'wretched dog'), this word often comes before the noun instead of after it.
Regional Confusion
Mistake: “Using this adjective in Spain to mean 'mean'.”
Correction: In Spain, this almost always just means 'beggar'. Use 'malo' or 'tacaño' in Spain to avoid confusion.
Astuto vs. Despierto
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