solo efectivo
/solo efeɡtibo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cash only" is translated into Spanish as solo efectivo.
This phrase is used to indicate that a business does not accept credit cards or other electronic payments.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of solo (only) and efectivo (cash).
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the preposition en to create solo en efectivo is a common and grammatically correct way to express the same meaning. A natural way to use this in a sentence is Aceptamos solo efectivo (We only accept cash).
How do you pronounce it?
/solo efeɡtibo/
Did you know?
- In Spain, you are more likely to hear metálico than efectivo when talking about physical cash. The word literally refers to 'metal', reminding us of a time when coins were the primary form of currency.
- A sign saying solo efectivo is often paired with a request for billetes pequeños. This is because small vendors in many Spanish-speaking regions often lack the change to break large banknotes.
- Depending on the context, efectivo can mean 'effective' or 'actual' in legal and medical terminology. This makes it a polysemous word that describes both a payment method and a result.
Examples in context
- Por favor, solo efectivoPlease, cash only
Example conversation
Sofía is paying for a taco at a street stall.
- AlejandroSon cinco dólares, por favor.That is five dollars, please.
- Sofía¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta, Alejandro?Can I pay with a card, Alejandro?
- AlejandroNo, lo siento, es solo efectivo.No, I'm sorry, it's cash only.
- SofíaEstá bien, buscaré dinero en mi bolso.That's fine, I will look for money in my bag.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
