Italian · Travel & Getting Around
"Cash" in Italian: contanti
i contanti
Cash in Italian is i contanti (ee kon-TAHN-tee), plural. To pay cash is pagare in contanti. Cards are la carta; cash is specifically contanti.
At a market stall
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How to pronounce contanti
Say it
ee kon-TAHN-tee
/konˈtan.ti/
kon-TAHN-tee, stress on TAHN. Keep all three syllables.
"Cash" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| i contanti | cash Bills and coins. | Bills and coins. |
| in contanti | in cash How you pay. | How you pay. |
| pagare in contanti | to pay cash Shops and markets. | Shops and markets. |
| solo contanti | cash only Signs and small venues. | Signs and small venues. |
How to use contanti in real life
- 1At a market stall
Accettate solo i contanti qui?
Do you only take cash here?
I contanti at markets.
- 2Splitting dinner
Pago io in contanti, poi mi ridai la metà.
I'll pay in cash, then you give me half back.
In contanti as the method.
- 3Leaving an ATM
Ho ritirato i contanti per il weekend.
I withdrew the cash for the weekend.
I contanti after withdrawal.
Mistakes English speakers make with contanti
Incorrect: Pago con cash.
Correct: Pago in contanti.
Use in contanti, not English cash.
Incorrect: Il contante è nello zaino.
Correct: I contanti sono nello zaino.
Everyday Italian uses plural i contanti.
Good to know
Many Italian bars still prefer contanti for a quick espresso, even as cards spread. Small markets and some countryside spots remain solo contanti—worth checking before you order.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Paying at a small bakery
ChatPal
Hanno il POS o solo i contanti?
Do they have card payment or only cash?
You
Solo contanti, credo. Controllo il portafoglio.
Cash only, I think. I'll check my wallet.
ChatPal
Io ho i contanti. Prendo due cornetti.
I have the cash. I'll get two croissants.
You
Perfetto. Pago il caffè in contanti io.
Perfect. I'll pay for the coffee in cash.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Cash" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Cash" in Italian
Is contanti singular?
Use plural i contanti in normal speech.
How do I say pay cash?
Pagare in contanti.
What is the opposite?
Con la carta or con la carta di credito.
What does solo contanti mean?
Cash only.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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