Inklingo

How to Say "tip" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tip” is “propina” — use this word when referring to a gratuity given for service, like in a restaurant or for a taxi driver..

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propina

/proh-PEE-nah//pɾoˈpina/

nounA1general
Use this word when referring to a gratuity given for service, like in a restaurant or for a taxi driver.
A close-up view of a hand placing coins and a folded bill onto a small, empty ceramic plate resting on a wooden table, symbolizing a gratuity or tip.

Examples

¿Dejamos una propina del diez por ciento?

Should we leave a ten percent tip?

El camarero fue muy amable, le daré una buena propina.

The waiter was very kind, I will give him a good tip.

En este restaurante, la propina ya está incluida en la cuenta.

In this restaurant, the gratuity is already included in the bill.

Feminine Noun Alert

Remember that 'propina' is always feminine, so you must use 'la propina' (the tip) or 'una propina' (a tip) when talking about it.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “El propina es obligatoria.”

Correction: La propina es obligatoria. (The tip is mandatory.) Always use the feminine article 'la'.

punta

/POON-tah//ˈpunta/

nounA1general
This word refers to the pointed end of an object such as a pencil, a finger, or a tool.
A close-up illustration of the sharp, graphite tip of a yellow wooden pencil.

Examples

La punta del lápiz está rota.

The tip of the pencil is broken.

Me pinché el dedo con la punta de la aguja.

I pricked my finger with the point of the needle.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'punta' is always feminine, so you must use 'la punta' or 'una punta'.

consejo

/kon-SEH-ho//konˈse.xo/

nounA2general
Use this when you mean advice or a helpful suggestion given to someone.
A wise older woman sitting across a small table from a young person, gently pointing toward a clear, bright path visible in the distance, symbolizing giving good advice.

Examples

Mi madre siempre me da buenos consejos.

My mother always gives me good advice.

¿Puedo pedirte un consejo sobre qué coche comprar?

Can I ask your advice on which car to buy?

Gracias por el consejo, lo tendré en cuenta.

Thanks for the tip, I'll keep it in mind.

A Countable Noun in Spanish

Unlike the English word 'advice', which is usually treated as a single concept, 'consejo' is countable. You can have 'un consejo' (one piece of advice) or 'varios consejos' (several pieces of advice).

Forgetting You Can Use the Plural

Mistake: “Necesito un consejo. (When you need multiple tips)”

Correction: Necesito unos consejos. (I need some advice/a few tips.) Don't be afraid to use the plural form 'consejos' when you're talking about more than one tip.

pico

/PEE-koh//ˈpiko/

nounA2general
This refers to the highest point or summit of something, often a mountain or a roof.
A colorful illustration of a very tall, snow-capped mountain with a distinct, sharp peak dominating the landscape.

Examples

Llegamos al pico de la montaña después de tres horas.

We reached the peak of the mountain after three hours.

El lápiz necesita punta; se le rompió el pico.

The pencil needs sharpening; its tip broke off.

recomendación

nounA2informal
Use this for a suggestion or recommendation, often informal, about what someone should do.

Examples

Mi recomendación es que leas este libro.

My recommendation is that you read this book.

truco

/troo-koh//ˈtɾuko/

nounB1informal
This word means a trick, a clever shortcut, or a helpful hack to make a task easier.
A person easily reaching a high book shelf by standing on a small, brightly colored step stool.

Examples

Mi abuela me enseñó un truco para que el pan no se seque.

My grandmother taught me a tip/hack so the bread doesn't dry out.

Este programa tiene un truco que acelera la descarga de archivos.

This program has a special feature/gimmick that speeds up file downloading.

Idiomatic Use: 'El truco está en...'

A very common way to give advice is to say 'El truco está en...' (The trick/key is in...), followed by what you need to do.

Advice vs. Physical Point

Learners often confuse 'consejo' (advice) with 'punta' or 'pico' (physical points). Remember, 'consejo' is abstract help, while 'punta' and 'pico' refer to the literal end or top of something.

Related Translations

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