moneda
/moˈneda/feminine
In Spanish, the word for coin is moneda. Wiktionary also lists moneda contante y sonante and moneda metálica.
Meaning: (currency) a piece of currency (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| moneda | /moˈneda/ | feminine |
| moneda contante y sonante | /moneda kontante i sonante/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| moneda metálica | /moneda metalika/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| moneda sonante | /moneda sonante/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
moneda is the most common and generic word for a coin. It can refer specifically to a single piece of metal or more broadly to a system of currency, such as in the phrase moneda extranjera (foreign currency). While moneda describes metal coins, the word billete is used for paper banknotes or bills.
Which one should you use?
moneda refers to a metal coin, whereas billete is used for paper currency.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In various regions, the word plata is used informally to refer to coins or money.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
moneda is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈneda/
Did you know?
- The word moneda shares its origin with the Latin word 'moneta', which was an epithet for the goddess Juno, the protector of the Roman mint.
- The idiomatic phrase moneda contante y sonante uses the word sonante to mean 'ringing' or 'sounding', much like the English expression 'hard cash'.
- In many Latin American countries, plata is used as a slang term for money, which literally translates to 'silver'.
Examples in context
- Esa moneda es falsa.That coin is counterfeit.This sentence is useful for identifying a counterfeit moneda.Tatoeba #2267814 by hayastan, translation #2267813 by _undertoad
- La moneda es dorada.The coin is gold.This sentence is useful for describing a gold moneda.Tatoeba #2848085 by don_ramon, translation #2836945 by _undertoad
- La moneda es plateada.The coin is silver.This sentence is useful for describing a silver moneda.Tatoeba #2900506 by cueyayotl, translation #2900427 by rul
- Mario encontró una moneda en la calle.Mario found a coin on the street.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are at a vending machine in a park.
- JavierNo tengo una moneda para la máquina.I don't have a coin for the machine.
- ElenaTengo una moneda en mi bolso, Javier.I have a coin in my bag, Javier.
- Javier¿Es una moneda de un euro?Is it a one euro coin?
- ElenaNo, es una moneda de cincuenta céntimos.No, it is a fifty cent coin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coin” translations and entries moneda, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moneda, sonante, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
