Spanish Conversation · Level 70
60 words
Spanish word
mezquino
Pronunciation
IPA/meθˈkino/
Meaning
- adjectivestingy
Example
No seas mezquino y paga tu parte.
Don't be stingy and pay your share.
More examples
La persona mezquina nunca comparte su comida.
The stingy person never shares their food.
Core concept
Withholding a small gift while sneering.
Common phrases
ser mezquino
be stingy
persona mezquina
stingy person
actitud mezquina
stingy attitude
Similar words
tacaño: Reluctant to spend money, avoiding expenses beyond what seems necessary.
rácano: Unwilling to give even small amounts, stingy about tiny sums.
avaro: Prioritizing the accumulation of wealth by avoiding expenditures.
egoísta: Putting personal benefit first and withholding help or resources from others.
Definition in Spanish
Que trata a otros con poca consideración, mostrando actitud mezquina en detalles pequeños o en palabras.
Word origin
From Old French mesquin 'paltry, mean', adopted into Spanish to describe someone who is ungenerous or petty in acts and words.
Usage tips
- Unlike tacaño, which focuses on money, mezquino often describes small-minded hurtful behavior or spiteful remarks and can sound strongly accusatory so it is harsher than a casual complaint.