medio de pago
Lemma Details
Translation: means of payment; payment method; payment instrument
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Derived from 'medio' (means, medium) and 'pago' (payment). 'Medio' comes from Latin 'medius' (middle, intermediate), while 'pago' derives from Latin 'pacare' (to pacify, appease), which evolved to mean 'to satisfy a debt'. The phrase reflects the concept of an instrument that mediates or facilitates the exchange of value.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: formal
Example Usage
Las tarjetas de crédito son un medio de pago ampliamente aceptado.
Credit cards are a widely accepted means of payment.
El banco ofrece diversos medios de pago para la comodidad de sus clientes.
The bank offers various payment methods for the convenience of its customers.
El bitcoin es un medio de pago digital que no está regulado por ningún banco central.
Bitcoin is a digital means of payment that is not regulated by any central bank.
Mnemonics
- 'Medio' sounds like 'medium' in English, which helps remember it's the medium or means through which payment happens.
- Think of 'medio de pago' as the 'middle of paying' - it's what comes between the buyer and seller to facilitate the transaction.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, this term is commonly used in financial, commercial, and legal contexts. It encompasses traditional payment methods like cash and checks as well as modern electronic payment systems. The concept is important in discussions about financial inclusion and monetary policy.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'medio de pago' refers to payment methods, 'medio de comunicación' means 'media' or 'means of communication'.
Confused word:
La televisión es un medio de comunicación masivo.
Television is a mass communication medium.
Notes: Both phrases use 'medio' (means, medium) but with different purposes - one for financial transactions, the other for information exchange.
Mnemonic: 'Pago' relates to payment, while 'comunicación' clearly relates to communication.