How to Say "stingy" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “stingy” is “apretado” — use 'apretado' to describe someone who is reluctant to spend money, often in a general sense or when encouraging them to be more generous..
English → Spanish
apretado
ah-preh-TAH-doh/a.pɾe.ˈta.ðo/
adjectiveB2general
Use 'apretado' to describe someone who is reluctant to spend money, often in a general sense or when encouraging them to be more generous.
Examples
No seas apretado, deja una buena propina.
Don't be stingy, leave a good tip.
codo
/KOH-doh//ˈkoðo/
adjectiveB2informal
Use 'codo' to describe a person who is habitually unwilling to spend money, often implying a more ingrained characteristic or a slightly more informal, critical tone.
Examples
No quiso dejar propina, ¡es bien codo!
He didn't want to leave a tip, he's so stingy!
Ella nunca invita a nada porque es una coda.
She never treats anyone to anything because she is cheap.
Gender change
Unlike the body part, when 'codo' is an adjective, it changes to 'coda' if you are describing a woman.
Choosing Between 'Apretado' and 'Codo'
The main confusion lies in the register. 'Apretado' is more general and can be used in most situations. 'Codo' is more informal and often carries a slightly more critical or judgmental tone when describing someone's stinginess.
Related Translations
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