dinero en efectivo
Lemma Details
Translation: cash; cash money; ready money
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'dinero' (money) and 'efectivo' (effective, cash). 'Dinero' comes from Latin 'denarius', a Roman silver coin. 'Efectivo' derives from Latin 'effectivus' (producing an effect). The combination 'dinero en efectivo' literally means 'money in effective form' - referring to immediately available currency as opposed to credit or other forms of money.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Prefiero pagar con dinero en efectivo.
I prefer to pay with cash.
El hotel solo acepta dinero en efectivo.
The hotel only accepts cash.
¿Tienes suficiente dinero en efectivo para el taxi?
Do you have enough cash for the taxi?
Necesito sacar dinero en efectivo del cajero automático.
I need to withdraw cash from the ATM.
Mnemonics
- 'Efectivo' sounds like 'effective' - cash is the most effective (immediate) form of payment.
- Think of 'dinero en efectivo' as 'money in effect' - it has immediate effect unlike other payment methods that take time to process.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, cash transactions remain very common despite the global trend toward digital payments. In some regions, people may prefer 'dinero en efectivo' due to limited banking infrastructure or to avoid transaction fees. The phrase is used in both formal contexts (banking, business) and everyday transactions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Efectivo' alone can mean 'cash' but also 'effective' or 'efficient' in other contexts, while 'dinero en efectivo' specifically and unambiguously refers to cash money.
Confused word:
Es un método muy efectivo para aprender idiomas.
It's a very effective method for learning languages.
Notes: In banking contexts, 'efectivo' alone is often sufficient to mean 'cash', but the full phrase 'dinero en efectivo' is more precise and common in everyday speech.
Mnemonic: When 'efectivo' stands alone, check if it means 'effective' or 'cash'; when paired with 'dinero en', it's definitely about money.
Explanation: 'Dinero en efectivo' refers to physical currency (bills and coins), while 'dinero electrónico' refers to digital currency or electronic money.
Confused word:
El dinero electrónico facilita las compras por internet.
Electronic money makes internet purchases easier.
Notes: The distinction is becoming increasingly important as societies move toward cashless transactions.
Mnemonic: 'Efectivo' is tangible like cash in hand; 'electrónico' is intangible like digital transactions.