monete
The Italian phrase for coins is monete.
monete is used to describe physical pieces of metal currency. It is specifically used for metal money and is not used to refer to paper money, which is called banconote.
Which one should you use?
While monete is the general term for coins, spiccioli is an informal term used specifically to refer to loose change and quattrini is an informal word used to mean small change or pennies.
How does it change in a sentence?
monete is the plural form of the noun moneta.
Did you know?
- The word moneta comes from the Latin moneta, an epithet for the goddess Juno. Her temple in Rome served as the royal mint where the first Roman coins were struck.
- In Italy, the gesture of rubbing the thumb and index finger together is often used alongside the word spiccioli to visually represent a small amount of money.
- The informal term quattrini is derived from quattrino, a tiny copper coin worth a quarter of a denaro used in the Middle Ages.
Examples in context
- Mise via le monete.He put the coins away.This sentence shows how to use monete when talking about putting things away.Tatoeba #13295396 by Guybrush88, translation #11879892 by Amastan
- Tom contò le monete.Tom counted the coins.This sentence demonstrates using monete in the context of counting.Tatoeba #13295379 by Guybrush88, translation #8913431 by CK
- Le monete sono rotonde.Coins are round.This sentence illustrates a description of monete using an adjective.Tatoeba #12446689 by Guybrush88, translation #8392009 by Smoky
- Ho trovato alcune monete per terra.I found some coins on the ground.
- Devo cambiare i gettoni per poter giocare alle macchinette.I need to exchange the tokens to be able to play the slot machines.
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are at a vending machine.
- GiuliaHai delle monete per il caffè?Do you have some coins for the coffee?
- FrancescoSì, ne ho alcune nel portafoglio.Yes, I have some in my wallet.
- GiuliaGrazie, mi servono proprio queste monete.Thanks, I really need these coins.
- FrancescoPrego, prendi pure tutto.You're welcome, take it all.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
