Inklingo

How to Say "to squander" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to squander” is “desperdiciar” — use this word when referring to the reckless or foolish use of resources like food, water, or time, implying a lack of necessity or value.

desperdiciar🔊A2

Use this word when referring to the reckless or foolish use of resources like food, water, or time, implying a lack of necessity or value.

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malgastar🔊B1

This is best for wasting a significant amount of money, resources, or a valuable opportunity, often implying a negative or regrettable action.

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perder🔊B1

Use this general term when 'squander' is used to mean 'waste' in a broader sense, often referring to time or an opportunity that is not utilized effectively.

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pulir🔊B2

This informal term is used to describe spending or 'blowing through' a large sum of money quickly, often in a single event or short period.

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disipar🔊C1

This word is typically used for squandering large assets like money or an inheritance, often implying a deliberate but foolish act of getting rid of it.

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English → Spanish

desperdiciar

des-pair-dee-syardespeɾðiˈsjaɾ

verbA2general
Use this word when referring to the reckless or foolish use of resources like food, water, or time, implying a lack of necessity or value.
An apple core and half-eaten food sitting in a trash can while a full water bottle spills onto the ground.

Examples

No desperdicies la comida, hay mucha gente con hambre.

Don't waste the food; there are many hungry people.

Estamos desperdiciando mucha agua con esa manguera rota.

We are wasting a lot of water with that broken hose.

Él desperdició todo su dinero en juegos de azar.

He squandered all his money on gambling.

A Regular Friend

This is a regular '-ar' verb. It follows the exact same patterns as 'hablar', so you don't need to worry about weird spelling changes.

Direct Action

You put the thing being wasted directly after the verb without any extra words (like 'de' or 'a'). For example: 'desperdiciar papel' (waste paper).

Gastar vs. Desperdiciar

Mistake: “Usar 'gastar' para comida que tiras a la basura.”

Correction: Use 'gastar' for spending money normally, but 'desperdiciar' for throwing things away or using them poorly.

malgastar

mahl-gahs-TAHRmalɣasˈtaɾ

verbB1general
This is best for wasting a significant amount of money, resources, or a valuable opportunity, often implying a negative or regrettable action.
A colorful storybook illustration of a pile of gold coins falling into a trash can.

Examples

No quiero malgastar mi dinero en cosas que no necesito.

I don't want to waste my money on things I don't need.

Estamos malgastando mucho tiempo con esta reunión.

We are wasting a lot of time with this meeting.

Es una pena malgastar tanto talento.

It's a shame to waste so much talent.

A Compound Word

This word is a combination of 'mal' (badly) and 'gastar' (to spend). It literally means to spend badly!

Direct Use

You don't need a preposition like 'on' before the thing you are wasting. Just say 'malgastar el tiempo' (waste the time).

Malgastar vs. Perder

Mistake: “Perdí mi dinero en esa tienda.”

Correction: Malgasté mi dinero en esa tienda. Use 'perder' for losing your keys, but use 'malgastar' for wasting your cash.

perder

pehr-DEHRpeɾˈdeɾ

verbB1general
Use this general term when 'squander' is used to mean 'waste' in a broader sense, often referring to time or an opportunity that is not utilized effectively.
A cartoon figure sitting idly on a park bench, letting several paper bills float away from their open hand into the wind, symbolizing wasted money.

Examples

No pierdas tu tiempo con ese videojuego.

Don't waste your time with that video game.

Perdió todo su dinero en malas inversiones.

He wasted all his money on bad investments.

Estamos perdiendo una cantidad enorme de agua por la fuga.

We are wasting a huge amount of water because of the leak.

pulir

poo-leerpuˈliɾ

verbB2informal
This informal term is used to describe spending or 'blowing through' a large sum of money quickly, often in a single event or short period.
A hand holding a wallet with many colorful paper bills flying out of it into the wind.

Examples

Se pulió todo el sueldo en una noche.

He blew through his whole salary in one night.

No te pulas los ahorros tan rápido.

Don't spend your savings so fast.

Reflexive variation

In this slang context, it is very common to use the reflexive form 'pulirse' to emphasize that the person is the one doing the spending.

disipar

dee-see-pardisiˈpaɾ

verbC1formal
This word is typically used for squandering large assets like money or an inheritance, often implying a deliberate but foolish act of getting rid of it.
A pile of gold coins falling through a hole in a worn-out leather bag onto the ground.

Examples

Disipó toda su fortuna en apuestas.

He squandered his entire fortune on betting.

No debemos disipar nuestras energías en cosas sin importancia.

We should not waste our energies on unimportant things.

La herencia se disipó en pocos años.

The inheritance was squandered in a few years.

Formal tone

This meaning is very formal. In everyday life, people usually say 'gastar' or 'malgastar' for wasting money.

Avoid for small items

Mistake: “Disipé mis llaves.”

Correction: Perdí mis llaves. 'Disipar' is for resources that vanish, not physical objects you misplace.

Choosing Between 'Desperdiciar' and 'Malgastar'

Learners often confuse 'desperdiciar' and 'malgastar'. Remember, 'desperdiciar' is broader and applies to any resource used foolishly, while 'malgastar' usually implies wasting a significant amount, especially money or opportunities, with a sense of regret.

Related Translations

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