acuñar moneda
Lemma Details
Translation: to mint coins; to coin money
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'acuñar' (to mint/coin) and 'moneda' (coin/money). 'Acuñar' comes from Latin 'cuneare' meaning 'to stamp with a wedge' (from 'cuneus' meaning 'wedge'). 'Moneda' derives from Latin 'moneta', which was a title of the goddess Juno, in whose temple coins were minted. The English cognate 'money' shares this same Latin root.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El gobierno tiene el derecho exclusivo de acuñar moneda.
The government has the exclusive right to mint coins.
La casa de moneda comenzó a acuñar moneda de oro en el siglo XVI.
The mint began to coin gold money in the 16th century.
Acuñar moneda falsa es un delito grave en todos los países.
Counterfeiting money is a serious crime in all countries.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'acuñar' as 'a-coin-ar' to remember it means 'to coin'
- Visualize a wedge ('cuneus' in Latin) stamping designs onto blank metal discs to create coins
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is often used in historical, economic, or numismatic contexts. In Spanish-speaking countries with a history of colonial mints (like Mexico, Peru, and Spain), this phrase carries historical significance related to their economic sovereignty.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'acuñar moneda' refers specifically to the physical production of coins or currency, 'acuñar un término' is used metaphorically to mean creating or inventing a new word or expression.
Confused word:
Shakespeare acuñó muchos términos que usamos hoy en día.
Shakespeare coined many terms that we use today.
Notes: Both expressions use 'acuñar' in the sense of creating something new, but one is literal (physical currency) while the other is figurative (new words).
Mnemonic: Think 'moneda' for physical coins, 'término' for verbal coins (new words).
Explanation: 'Acuñar moneda' refers to the legitimate production of currency by authorized entities, while 'falsificar moneda' means to counterfeit or forge currency illegally.
This word:
Solo el gobierno puede acuñar moneda oficial.
Only the government can mint official currency.
Confused word:
Fue arrestado por falsificar moneda en su sótano.
He was arrested for counterfeiting money in his basement.
Notes: The distinction is important legally and economically - one is a legitimate government function while the other is a criminal activity.
Mnemonic: 'Acuñar' is for authentic coins, 'falsificar' contains 'falsi-' suggesting 'false'.