Spanish · Travel & Getting Around
"Cash" in Spanish: efectivo
el efectivo
Cash is el efectivo. It is masculine. Say ¿Puedo pagar en efectivo? at shops.
How to pronounce efectivo: audio and sound guideCheckout
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How to pronounce efectivo
Say it
eh-fehk-TEE-voh
/e.fek.ˈti.βo/
eh-fehk-TEE-voh. Stress TEE. Soft c like k.
"Cash" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el efectivo | cash Banking and shop talk. | Banking and shop talk. |
| en efectivo | in cash How you pay. | How you pay. |
| pagar en efectivo | to pay in cash Checkout phrase. | Checkout phrase. |
| solo efectivo | cash only Sign or staff warning. | Sign or staff warning. |
How to use efectivo in real life
- 1Checkout
¿Puedo pagar en efectivo?
Can I pay in cash?
Safe ask before paying.
- 2Sign
Aquí solo efectivo.
Cash only here.
Common small-shop rule.
- 3Taxi
Prefiero efectivo, por favor.
I prefer cash, please.
Some drivers like efectivo.
Mistakes English speakers make with efectivo
Incorrect: La efectivo está listo.
Correct: El efectivo está listo.
Efectivo is masculine: el efectivo.
Incorrect: Pago con cash.
Correct: Pago en efectivo.
Use efectivo, not English cash.
Good to know
Good to knowEfectivo means cash. Dinero is broader money. Many stalls still prefer efectivo.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Paying at a market stall
ChatPal
¿Aceptan efectivo aquí?
Do they take cash here?
You
Sí, solo efectivo.
Yes, cash only.
ChatPal
Bien. Yo tengo billetes.
Good. I have bills.
You
Yo busco monedas.
I'll look for coins.
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 Spanish
Gender of efectivo?
Masculine: el efectivo.
Pay in cash?
Pagar en efectivo.
Cash only?
Solo efectivo.
Pronounce efectivo?
eh-fehk-TEE-voh, stress TEE.
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