Meaning
To give extra money for good service.
Cultural Background
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.
Meaning
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.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'dejar'.
Nosotros siempre _______ propina en este restaurante.
'Nosotros' requires the -amos ending for regular -ar verbs.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I left a 5 euro tip'?
The pattern is [Amount] + de + propina.
Match the tip amount to the country's general custom.
Spain vs. USA
Tipping is much more institutionalized in the USA than in Spain.
Complete the dialogue.
Mesero: Aquí tiene su cuenta. Cliente: Gracias. (To friend): ¿_______?
'Dejamos propina' is the natural way to ask if the group should tip.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tipping Customs
Money Vocabulary
Cash
- • Billetes
- • Monedas
- • Suelto
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNosotros siempre _______ propina en este restaurante.
'Nosotros' requires the -amos ending for regular -ar verbs.
How do you say 'I left a 5 euro tip'?
The pattern is [Amount] + de + propina.
Spain vs. USA
Tipping is much more institutionalized in the USA than in Spain.
Mesero: Aquí tiene su cuenta. Cliente: Gracias. (To friend): ¿_______?
'Dejamos propina' is the natural way to ask if the group should tip.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, 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.
Related Phrases
La cuenta, por favor
builds onThe bill, please.
Incluir el servicio
similarTo include the service charge.
Quedarse con el cambio
synonymTo keep the change.
