A1 Collocation Neutral

Dejar propina

Leave a tip

Significado

To give extra money for good service.

🌍

Contexto cultural

In Spain, 'la propina' is not a percentage-based rule. It is common to leave the 'suelto' (loose change) or a couple of euros if the service was good, but nobody will be offended if you leave nothing. Tipping is very important in Mexico. It is called 'el diezmo' informally (though that also means tithe). 10% is the minimum, 15% is standard for good service. In Argentina, the 'cubierto' (table charge) is often on the bill, but this is NOT the tip. You should still leave about 10% as 'propina' for the waiter.

💬

Check the bill first

Look for the words 'Servicio incluido'. If you see this, you don't need to leave an extra tip unless you want to.

💡

Cash is King

Even if you pay the bill with a credit card, it's often better to leave the 'propina' in cash so the waiter gets it directly.

Significado

To give extra money for good service.

💬

Check the bill first

Look for the words 'Servicio incluido'. If you see this, you don't need to leave an extra tip unless you want to.

💡

Cash is King

Even if you pay the bill with a credit card, it's often better to leave the 'propina' in cash so the waiter gets it directly.

⚠️

Don't overtip in Spain

Leaving a 20% tip in a small Spanish village might make you look like you're showing off or don't understand the local economy.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the correct form of the verb 'dejar'.

Nosotros siempre _______ propina en este restaurante.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: dejamos

'Nosotros' requires the -amos ending for regular -ar verbs.

Which sentence is correct?

How do you say 'I left a 5 euro tip'?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Dejé cinco euros de propina.

The pattern is [Amount] + de + propina.

Match the tip amount to the country's general custom.

Spain vs. USA

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Spain: Small change / USA: 15-20%

Tipping is much more institutionalized in the USA than in Spain.

Complete the dialogue.

Mesero: Aquí tiene su cuenta. Cliente: Gracias. (To friend): ¿_______?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: ¿Dejamos propina?

'Dejamos propina' is the natural way to ask if the group should tip.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Tipping Customs

Spain
Optional Opcional
Mexico
10-15% Expected

Money Vocabulary

💵

Cash

  • Billetes
  • Monedas
  • Suelto

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'dejar'. Fill Blank A1

Nosotros siempre _______ propina en este restaurante.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: dejamos

'Nosotros' requires the -amos ending for regular -ar verbs.

Which sentence is correct? Choose A2

How do you say 'I left a 5 euro tip'?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Dejé cinco euros de propina.

The pattern is [Amount] + de + propina.

Match the tip amount to the country's general custom. situation_matching B1

Spain vs. USA

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Spain: Small change / USA: 15-20%

Tipping is much more institutionalized in the USA than in Spain.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A1

Mesero: Aquí tiene su cuenta. Cliente: Gracias. (To friend): ¿_______?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: ¿Dejamos propina?

'Dejamos propina' is the natural way to ask if the group should tip.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

6 preguntas

Yes, they are interchangeable. 'Dejar' is more common when you leave money on the table, while 'dar' is used when handing it over.

There is no fixed rule, but leaving the change or 1-2 euros is standard for casual meals. 5-10% is generous for fine dining.

In big cities, yes. Ask '¿Puedo incluir la propina en la tarjeta?' before they process the payment.

In most Spanish-speaking countries, you are not legally or socially required to leave a tip if the service was bad.

Rarely in a literal sense, but in some countries, 'una propina' might be a euphemism for a small bribe to a low-level official.

No, tipping is generally not expected in fast-food chains or over-the-counter service.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

La cuenta, por favor

builds on

The bill, please.

🔗

Incluir el servicio

similar

To include the service charge.

🔄

Quedarse con el cambio

synonym

To keep the change.

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