Spanish word

efectivo

Pronunciation

IPA/efekˈtiβo/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncash

Example

¿Puedo pagar en efectivo?

Can I pay in cash?

Illustration for efectivo (cash)

More examples

¿Aceptan efectivo en este establecimiento?

Do you accept cash in this establishment?

Core concept

Hand holding banknotes and coins for immediate payment.

Common phrases

  • pagar en efectivo

    pay in cash

  • llevar efectivo

    carry cash

  • retirar efectivo

    withdraw cash

Similar words

dinero: Money used to buy goods and services in general.
moneda: Metal coins used in transactions and for giving change.
billete: Paper banknote that represents a specific monetary value.
cambio: Coins or small amounts returned to a buyer after a payment.

Definition in Spanish

Dinero en billetes y monedas utilizado para pagar al momento, es decir, la cantidad física que se entrega al vendedor.

Word origin

From Latin effectīvus 'effective', Spanish efectivo shifted from an adjective to a noun via the phrase dinero efectivo to mean the tangible money handed over to a seller for immediate payment.

Usage tips

  • Pagar al contado usually denotes immediate full payment and can include card or transfer, while many shops display 'no se acepta efectivo' when they refuse physical cash.

Opposites

Word lists with this word