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gratificación means tip; reward — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 12, 2026

✈️ Travel Spanish

gratificación

noun • /[grah-tee-fee-kah-see-ON]/

tip; reward

Example:

Dejaron una gratificación al guía.

They left a tip for the guide.

🧠 What does gratificación mean?

Gratificación refers to a sum of money given to someone for a service rendered, often as a token of appreciation or to supplement their regular wages. In a travel context, it most commonly translates to a tip, a voluntary payment given to service staff like hotel porters, waiters, or tour guides. Beyond tipping, it can also signify a reward or bonus given for satisfactory work or effort.

📚 Extra examples

  • Dejó una buena gratificación al camarero por su excelente servicio.
    She left a good tip for the waiter for his excellent service.
  • La gratificación por completar el proyecto fue considerable.
    The reward for completing the project was considerable.
  • En algunos países es costumbre dar una gratificación al personal del hotel.
    In some countries, it is customary to give a tip to hotel staff.

💡 Did You Know?

The concept of giving extra payment for good service dates back centuries, with origins in ancient Roman and Greek societies. The modern term 'gratificación' reflects this long-standing practice of acknowledging and rewarding service.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "gratificación"

Synonyms: propina, recompensa, bonificación, premio
Opposites: penalización, multa, castigo

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'tip; reward' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'tip; reward' is gratificación.
How do you pronounce 'gratificación' in Spanish?
Gratificación is pronounced grah-tee-fee-kah-see-OHN. The stress is on the final syllable, 'ción'.
How do you use 'gratificación' in a sentence?
Gratificación can be used to refer to a tip or a reward. For example, 'Dejé una gratificación al taxista.' (I left a tip for the taxi driver.) or 'Recibió una gratificación por su buen desempeño.' (He received a reward for his good performance.)
What is the English translation of 'gratificación'?
The English translation of 'gratificación' is 'tip' or 'reward'.
Does 'gratificación' change for gender or number?
Gratificación is a feminine noun. It does not change for gender. The plural form is gratificaciones.
Is 'gratificación' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'gratificación' is a common word used in everyday Spanish, particularly when discussing tipping or receiving bonuses.
Does 'gratificación' have slang or double meanings?
While primarily meaning 'tip' or 'reward', in some informal contexts, it might be used more broadly to describe any form of benefit or bonus received. However, it does not carry strong slang or negative connotations.
Is 'gratificación' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'gratificación' as a tip or reward is consistent across Spain and Latin America. However, the specific customs and expected amounts for tipping can vary significantly by region.

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