Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| efectivo | /efeɡˈtibo/ | masculine |
| cash | /ˈkaʃ/ /ˈkas/ (Spain) |
masculine |
| guita | /ˈɡita/ | colloquial, feminine |
| güita | /ɡwita/ (from spelling rules) | El Salvador, masculine |
| numerario | /numeˈɾaɾjo/ | masculine |
| dinero contante | /dineɾo kontante/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| dinero contante y sonante | /dineɾo kontante i sonante/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| a tocateja | /a ˌtokaˈtexa/ | adverb |
The terms in this list refer to money in the form of notes, bills and coins. While efectivo refers specifically to the physical medium of cash, the word dinero is a broader term used for all types of money, including digital or credit-based funds.
Which one should you use?
efectivo refers to the physical cash itself, whereas dinero is the general term for all money. The adverbial phrase a tocateja is used to describe doing something with cash.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal or technical situations, such as banking or accounting, use numerario or the phrase dinero en efectivo. In casual conversation, you might use the slang guita or the informal Mexican term lana.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In El Salvador, the masculine form güita is used. In Argentina, Colombia and Peru, the slang term plata is common. In Cuba and the Dominican Republic, locals may use plata or billete to refer to cash. In Mexico, lana is an informal way to refer to cash.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say you are paying 'in cash', you must use the preposition en before efectivo, forming the phrase en efectivo.
How do you pronounce it?
/efeɡˈtibo/
Did you know?
- The Mexican slang for cash lana actually means 'wool'. This stems from the historical value of wool as a primary trade commodity in the region.
- The phrase dinero contante y sonante is the Spanish equivalent of 'cold hard cash'. It describes money that is 'constant' and 'ringing', referring to the sound of genuine gold or silver coins clinking together.
- In certain contexts, efectivo can be used to describe a military member on active duty. This usage refers to the 'actual' or 'effective' strength of a troop unit.
Examples in context
- ¿Va a pagar en efectivo?Will you pay cash?This sentence is useful for asking if someone will pay using efectivo.Tatoeba #2270684 by Shishir, translation #2270575 by _undertoad
- Quisiera pagar en efectivo.I would like to pay with cash.This sentence is useful for stating a desire to pay using efectivo.Tatoeba #730315 by hayastan, translation #730310 by shekitten
- Tom no trae mucho efectivo.Tom doesn't carry much cash.This sentence is useful for noting that someone does not carry much efectivo.Tatoeba #1294016 by marcelostockle, translation #1026206 by CK
- ¿Puede pagarme en efectivo, por favor?Can you pay me in cash, please?
- Necesito dinero en efectivo para pagar la factura.I need cash to pay the bill.
- ¿Sabes cuánta plata tengo que llevar para el concierto?Do you know how much cash I have to bring for the concert?
- No tengo suficiente lana para comprar esa bicicleta.I don't have enough cash to buy that bike.
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are at a small street food stand.
- SofíaSolo aceptan efectivo en este puesto.They only accept cash at this stand.
- JavierNo traigo efectivo, ¿tienes tú?I don't have any cash, do you?
- SofíaSí, yo puedo pagar el almuerzo.Yes, I can pay for lunch.
- JavierGracias, Sofía. Te pago luego.Thanks, Sofía. I'll pay you back later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cash” translations and entries efectivo, cash, guita, numerario, dinero contante, a tocateja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
