contanti
/konˈtan.ti/masculine, plural
The English phrase 'cash' is translated into Italian as contanti.
contanti refers specifically to money in the physical form of notes and coins. To express the action of paying in cash, use the phrase pagare in contanti.
Meaning: money in the form of notes/bills and coins (noun)
Which one should you use?
While contanti refers specifically to physical cash, the term denaro is used more generally to mean 'money'. Other related terms include soldi for 'money' and valuta for 'currency'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because contanti is a plural masculine noun, you should use the partitive article dei to mean 'some cash'. Additionally, when saying you are paying 'in cash', use the preposition in before contanti.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /konˈtan.ti/.
Did you know?
- If you want to say you are 'broke' and have no cash, you might say essere al verde, which literally translates to 'to be at the green'.
- When a transaction is done entirely in cash without a digital trace, it is sometimes colloquially referred to as a 'nero' transaction, meaning 'black'.
- If you are paying for something and want to avoid being charged extra for using a card, you might ask for the prezzo in contanti, which can sometimes be slightly lower.
Examples in context
- Io ho dei contanti.I have cash.This sentence demonstrates how to say 'I have cash' using contanti.Tatoeba #2433170 by Guybrush88, translation #2245876 by CK
- Tu hai dei contanti?Do you have any cash?This sentence shows how to ask 'Do you have any cash?' using contanti.Tatoeba #2028177 by Guybrush88, translation #1886100 by CK
- È meglio in contanti.Cash is better.This sentence illustrates the phrase 'Cash is better' using contanti.Tatoeba #2555722 by Guybrush88, translation #2245070 by CK
- Vorrei pagare in denaro, per favore.I would like to pay in cash, please.
- Per favore, posso prelevare del denaro al bancomat?Can I withdraw some cash from the ATM, please?
- Posso darti i soldi in contante domani?Can I give you the money in cash tomorrow?
- Dovrei prelevare del contante per il viaggio.I should withdraw some cash for the trip.
- 133 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are deciding how to pay for a meal.
- SofiaVuoi pagare con la carta?Do you want to pay by card?
- MatteoNo, preferisco usare i contanti.No, I prefer to use cash.
- SofiaHai abbastanza contanti per entrambi?Do you have enough cash for both of us?
- MatteoSì, non preoccuparti, Sofia.Yes, don't worry, Sofia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cash” translations and entries contanti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
