monedas
/monedas/from spelling rules
The English phrase coins is translated into Spanish as monedas.
The word monedas is used for physical metal currency and can also be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase monedas de colección (collector's coins).
Which one should you use?
While monedas refers specifically to coins, the word billetes is used to refer to paper money or bills.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word pasta is used informally to refer to money or coins.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is moneda.
How do you pronounce it?
/monedas/
Did you know?
- The term moneda is derived from the Latin moneta, which was a title given to the goddess Juno because the Roman mint was located in her temple.
- In certain slang contexts in Mexico, the word 'lana' (wool) is used to refer to money, much like how one might refer to 'coins' or 'cash' in English.
- In some regions, particularly in parts' of Latin America, you might hear people use the word 'sencillo' to describe the small change or coins one carries for minor purchases.
Examples in context
- Él sacó unas monedas.He took out some coins.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express taking out some coins.Tatoeba #1363587 by marcelostockle, translation #288983 by CK
- Solo robé unas pocas monedas.I only stole a few coins.This sentence is useful for expressing the theft of a few coins.Tatoeba #5205400 by Elyte, translation #5205186 by CK
- Me dio estas monedas antiguas.She gave me these old coins.This sentence is useful for describing receiving old coins.Tatoeba #5045958 by don_ramon, translation #314148 by CK
- ¿Dónde puedo cambiar mis monedas por billetes?Where can I exchange my coins for bills?
- El banco acepta monedas de cualquier valor.The bank accepts coins of any denomination.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are at a vending machine.
- SofíaAlejandro, ¿tienes algunas monedas?Alejandro, do you have some coins?
- AlejandroNo, solo tengo un billete de cinco.No, I only have a five-dollar bill.
- SofíaQué mal, necesito monedas para este refresco.That's too bad, I need coins for this soda.
- AlejandroEspera, buscaré en mi mochila.Wait, I will look in my backpack.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry monedas, 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.
