dólar
Wordform Details
Translation: dollar
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: dólar
Translation: dollar (noun)
Etymology: From English 'dollar', which itself comes from Low German 'daler', shortened from 'Joachimstaler', a coin minted in the town of Joachimstal, Bohemia (now Jáchymov, Czech Republic). The Spanish term maintains the stress on the first syllable but adds an accent mark to follow Spanish orthographic rules.
Example Usage
El dólar subió de valor esta semana.
The dollar increased in value this week.
Necesito cambiar euros por dólares.
I need to exchange euros for dollars.
¿Cuál es la tasa de cambio del dólar hoy?
What is the exchange rate for the dollar today?
En muchos países latinoamericanos, los precios de las propiedades están en dólares.
In many Latin American countries, property prices are in dollars.
Mnemonics
- The accent mark on 'dólar' emphasizes the 'DO' sound, just like you DO need DOLlars to buy things.
- Think of a DOLphin holding a DOLlar - both words sound similar in Spanish and English.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The dollar, particularly the US dollar, is an important reference currency in many Spanish-speaking countries. In some Latin American countries, the economy is partially dollarized, with the US dollar being used alongside or instead of the local currency. In countries like Ecuador, El Salvador, and Panama, the US dollar is the official currency.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Dólar' (with accent on the 'o') means 'dollar', while 'dolor' (without accent) means 'pain'. They differ by just one letter and the accent mark.
Notes: The accent mark in Spanish not only indicates stress but can also change the meaning of words completely, as in this case.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'dólar' has an accent and refers to money; 'dolor' has no accent and refers to pain.