peso
Lemma Details
Translation: weight; burden; heaviness; currency; coin; peso (currency)
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'pensum' meaning 'something weighed or weighted'. Originally referred to a specific weight or measure, and later evolved to name various currency units in Spanish-speaking countries. The English word 'pensive' (thoughtful, weighed down with thoughts) shares the same Latin root 'pensare' (to weigh, consider). The transition from weight to currency reflects how early coins were valued by their weight in precious metals.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Este paquete tiene mucho peso.
This package has a lot of weight.
¿Cuántos pesos cuesta?
How many pesos does it cost?
Su opinión tiene mucho peso en la empresa.
His opinion carries a lot of weight in the company.
Siento un gran peso sobre mis hombros.
I feel a great burden on my shoulders.
Sus palabras tienen peso en la comunidad.
His words carry weight in the community.
El peso mexicano ha fluctuado mucho este año.
The Mexican peso has fluctuated a lot this year.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'peso' as something that has 'heft' - both physical weight and monetary value.
- Associate with the English word 'pensive' (thoughtful, weighed down with thoughts) - both come from the idea of weighing.
- Remember that a 'peso' coin was originally valued by its weight in precious metals.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The peso is the official currency in many Spanish-speaking countries including Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and others. Each country's peso has its own value and design. In everyday speech, 'peso' is also commonly used to refer to money in general in these countries. The concept of 'peso' as weight is deeply embedded in Spanish expressions about importance and burden.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Peso' is the noun for weight or currency, while 'pesa' can be either a weight (as in a dumbbell) or a form of the verb 'pesar' (to weigh).
Notes: 'Pesa' as a verb form means 'he/she/it weighs' (third person singular present of 'pesar').
Mnemonic: 'Peso' ends in 'o' like 'dough' (slang for money), while 'pesa' ends in 'a' like 'apparatus' (a weight for lifting).
Explanation: 'Peso' means weight or currency, while 'beso' means 'kiss'. They differ only by the initial consonant.
Confused word:
Me dio un beso de despedida.
She gave me a goodbye kiss.
Notes: These words are commonly used in everyday speech and the similar pronunciation can cause confusion for beginners.
Mnemonic: 'Peso' starts with 'p' like 'payment', while 'beso' starts with 'b' for 'buss' (an old English word for kiss).