avispado (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective

Phonetic Transcription

[abiˈs paðo]

Translation Options into English

• Quick-witted
• Clever
• Shrewd
• Astute

Meaning and Usage

"Avispado" is an informal Spanish term predominantly used in colloquial speech. It describes someone who is quick-witted, cunning, or capable of understanding things rapidly. In Chile and other Latin American countries, it's often used in a positive light to indicate someone who can think on their feet or navigate tricky situations successfully. The word is more common in oral speech than in written contexts.

Example Sentences

1. "Ese tipo es muy avispado; siempre sabe cómo salir de problemas."
   (That guy is very clever; he always knows how to get out of problems.)

2. "Si quieres triunfar en el negocio, necesitas ser avispado."
   (If you want to succeed in business, you need to be shrewd.)

3. "Ella es tan avispada que nunca se deja engañar."
   (She is so quick-witted that she never gets tricked.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While "avispado" is often used directly in conversation, it can be part of expressions or similar phrases that convey cleverness or alertness. Here are a few examples:

1. "Estar más avispado que un zorro."
   (To be quicker-witted than a fox.)
   This expression means to be very clever or cunning.

2. "Es un avispado para los negocios."
   (He's a quick-witted one when it comes to business.)
   This indicates that someone has a knack for business and is clever in that field.

3. "Aprovechó la situación con su avispada mente."
   (He took advantage of the situation with his astute mind.)
   This shows how someone's cleverness helped them in a specific situation.

4. "No subestimes a ese avispado; sabe más de lo que aparenta."
   (Don't underestimate that clever one; he knows more than he lets on.)
   This advises caution regarding someone's deeper intelligence.

5. "Siempre está un paso adelante porque es muy avispado."
   (He is always one step ahead because he is very shrewd.)
   This highlights being proactive and clever in anticipating situations.

Etymology

The term "avispado" is derived from "avispa," which means "wasp" in Spanish. The association may stem from the wasp's quick movements and alertness, symbolizing someone who is keen and perceptive. Its first recorded usage in this form can be traced back to late 19th-century colloquial language.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:
- Astuto (Astute) - Listo (Smart) - Ingenioso (Ingenious) - Perspicaz (Perceptive)

Antonyms:
- Torpe (Clumsy) - Tonto (Foolish) - Ingenuo (Naive)