Spanish Conversation · Level 29
89 words
Spanish word
suelto
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈswelto/
Meaning
- masculine nounchange
Example
¿Tienes suelto para el autobús?
Do you have change for the bus?
More examples
El cajero no tenía suelto para darme cambio.
The cashier didn't have any change to give me.
Core concept
Small pile of loose coins and small bills kept for minor payments.
Common phrases
tener suelto
have change
guardar suelto
put away change
Similar words
cambio: Coins and small bills handed to a buyer to give them the correct change.
vuelto: The small sum of coins and bills returned after a purchase when payment exceeds the price.
efectivo: Money in the form of banknotes and coins accepted for payment.
dinero: The general concept of money used to trade, buy, or pay.
Definition in Spanish
Cantidad pequeña de efectivo, especialmente monedas, que se usa como cambio o para pagos menores.
Word origin
Noun formed by nominalizing the adjective suelto 'loose', ultimately from Latin solutus (from solvere 'to loosen'), used to name the loose coins or small notes kept for small payments.
Usage tips
- Suelto is usually uncountable in Spanish, so speakers add monedas or billetes when they want to state an exact number, for example 'dos monedas'.