moneda
Lemma Details
Translation: coin; currency; money
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'moneta', which originally referred to a title of the Roman goddess Juno, in whose temple coins were minted. The English word 'money' shares this same Latin root, making them cognates. The term 'moneta' itself may derive from the verb 'monere' (to warn, advise), as Juno was said to have warned Romans of danger.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No tengo monedas para el parquímetro.
I don't have coins for the parking meter.
El euro es la moneda oficial de España.
The euro is the official currency of Spain.
Necesito cambiar mi moneda a dólares.
I need to exchange my currency for dollars.
Encontré una moneda antigua en el jardín.
I found an ancient coin in the garden.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'moneda' as related to 'money' in English - they share the same Latin root.
- Imagine a coin with the face of the goddess Juno (Moneta) stamped on it.
- The 'mon' in 'moneda' sounds like the beginning of 'money'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, specific coins have colloquial names that vary by region. For example, in some countries a 'peseta' might refer to a specific denomination even after the official currency has changed to euros or dollars.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Moneda' specifically refers to coins or currency, while 'dinero' is a more general term for money in any form.
Confused word:
No tengo suficiente dinero para comprar un coche.
I don't have enough money to buy a car.
Notes: While both can translate to 'money' in English, 'moneda' is more specific to physical currency or the official currency of a country.
Mnemonic: 'Moneda' sounds like 'coin-eda', focusing on physical coins, while 'dinero' is for money in general.
Explanation: 'Moneda' refers to coins, while 'billete' refers to paper money or banknotes.
Notes: Both are forms of physical currency but differ in their material composition.
Mnemonic: Think of the metallic sound coins ('monedas') make versus the paper rustling of bills ('billetes').