Spanish word

astucia

Pronunciation

IPA/asˈtuθja/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsavvy

Example

Necesitas astucia para negociar en ese mercado.

You need savvy to negotiate in that market.

Illustration for astucia (savvy)

More examples

Actuó con astucia y evitó la estafa.

He acted with cunning and avoided the scam.

Core concept

Quick cleverness that turns a small advantage into success.

Common phrases

  • actuar con astucia

    act with cunning

  • mostrar astucia

    show cunning

Similar words

picardía: Exploits others' inattention with sly, roguish tricks to gain advantage.
maña: Relies on small practical tricks or a handy knack for getting out of tight spots.
ingenio: Generates quick inventiveness and clever solutions on the spot.

Definition in Spanish

Capacidad para ver oportunidades y actuar rápido usando ingenio o picardía para obtener ventaja en una situación.

Word origin

Derived from Latin astutia via astutus and astus 'craft', the word carries the idea of cleverness applied to seize opportunities.

Usage tips

  • Although English 'astute' looks similar, Spanish astucia more readily implies cunning or trickery, so expect a negative shade unless context is clearly positive.

Other meanings

  • cunningnoun
  • resourcefulnessnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • astutocunningadjective
  • astutamentecunninglyadverb

Word lists with this word