How to Say "shrewd" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “shrewd” is “astuto” — use 'astuto' when referring to someone who is clever and cunning, especially in a strategic or business context, often implying resourcefulness..
astuto
ah-STOO-toh/asˈtuto/
Examples
El negociador fue lo suficientemente astuto para conseguir un buen trato.
The negotiator was shrewd enough to get a good deal.
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.
avisado
/ah-bee-SAH-doh//aβiˈsaðo/
Examples
Es un inversor muy avisado que siempre analiza el mercado antes de actuar.
He is a very shrewd investor who always analyzes the market before acting.
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.
despierto
des-PYEHR-toh/desˈpjeɾto/
Examples
Para tener éxito en este negocio, necesitas ser un comerciante muy despierto.
To succeed in this business, you need to be a very shrewd merchant.
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-doh/saˈβi.ðo/
Examples
Es un político sabido que sabe cómo manipular la opinión pública.
He is a shrewd politician who knows how to manipulate public opinion.
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.
Astuto vs. Despierto in Business
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.