monedero
Lemma Details
Translation: wallet; purse; coin purse; change purse
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from 'moneda' (coin) + the suffix '-ero' which indicates a container or holder. 'Moneda' comes from Latin 'moneta', which was the epithet of the goddess Juno, in whose temple coins were minted in ancient Rome. The English word 'monetary' shares the same Latin root.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think 'money-holder' - 'monedero' holds 'monedas' (coins).
- The '-ero' suffix often indicates a container in Spanish (like 'azucarero' for sugar bowl), so 'monedero' is a container for 'moneda' (coins).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'monedero' traditionally refers specifically to a small purse for coins, while 'cartera' or 'billetera' might be used for larger wallets that hold bills and cards. However, usage varies by region, and in some places 'monedero' can refer to any type of wallet.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both can be translated as 'wallet', 'monedero' traditionally refers specifically to a coin purse or change purse, whereas 'cartera' is typically a larger wallet for bills and cards.
Notes: In some regions, these terms may be used interchangeably, but traditionally they refer to different types of wallets.
Mnemonic: 'Monedero' contains 'moneda' (coin), so it's for coins; 'cartera' sounds like 'card-era', suggesting a place for cards.
Explanation: 'Monedero' is the container (wallet/purse), while 'moneda' is the coin itself.
Confused word:
Esta moneda vale un euro.
This coin is worth one euro.
Notes: The relationship between these words is similar to 'sugar' and 'sugar bowl' - one is the item, the other is its container.
Mnemonic: 'Monedero' has the extra '-ero' suffix, making it the container for 'moneda'.