moneda extranjera
Lemma Details
Translation: foreign currency; foreign money; foreign exchange
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Combines 'moneda' (from Latin 'moneta', originally referring to a mint where coins were made) and 'extranjera' (from Old French 'estrangier' meaning 'foreign, strange', ultimately from Latin 'extraneus' meaning 'external, from outside'). The concept refers to currency that originates outside one's own national borders.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Necesito cambiar moneda extranjera antes de viajar.
I need to exchange foreign currency before traveling.
El banco central intervino para estabilizar el valor de la moneda extranjera.
The central bank intervened to stabilize the value of foreign currency.
Las inversiones en moneda extranjera son arriesgadas debido a la fluctuación del tipo de cambio.
Investments in foreign currency are risky due to exchange rate fluctuation.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'moneda' as 'money' and 'extranjera' as 'extra strange' (foreign).
- Picture a coin (moneda) with a foreign flag on it (extranjera).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly those with volatile economies like Argentina or Venezuela, awareness of foreign currency values (especially the US dollar and Euro) is part of everyday financial literacy. Many people track exchange rates closely and may hold savings in foreign currencies as a hedge against inflation or currency devaluation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'divisa' is often used interchangeably with 'moneda extranjera', technically 'divisa' refers specifically to foreign currency used in international transactions, while 'moneda extranjera' is a more general term for any foreign money.
Confused word:
El banco central aumentó sus reservas de divisas.
The central bank increased its foreign exchange reserves.
Notes: In financial contexts, 'divisa' is more commonly used, while in everyday conversation 'moneda extranjera' is more common.
Mnemonic: 'Moneda extranjera' is the physical money, while 'divisa' is more about the concept of foreign exchange.
Explanation: These are direct opposites - 'moneda extranjera' refers to foreign currency while 'moneda nacional' refers to the domestic currency of a country.
This word:
Prefiero guardar mis ahorros en moneda extranjera.
I prefer to keep my savings in foreign currency.
Notes: In countries with economic instability, people often discuss the relative merits of saving in moneda nacional versus moneda extranjera.
Mnemonic: Extra = outside, Nacional = inside your nation