moneda
/moˈneda/feminine
The English word currency is translated into Spanish as moneda. Wiktionary also lists divisa.
Meaning: money or other item used to facilitate transactions (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| moneda | /moˈneda/ | feminine |
| divisa | /diˈbisa/ | feminine |
The term is used to describe money or other items used to facilitate transactions.
What does it mean word for word?
The word moneda literally means coin, but it can also refer to the abstract concept of a currency.
Which one should you use?
moneda is the standard term for a country's currency or a single coin. In contrast, divisa is used in technical or economic contexts specifically to refer to foreign exchange or foreign currency.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form monedas can refer to multiple coins or multiple types of currency in certain contexts. Both moneda and divisa are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈneda/
Did you know?
- The word moneda shares its root with the name of the Roman goddess Juno Moneta, who was the protector of the Roman mint. It is believed her temple was the site where the first Roman coins were produced.
- In much of Latin America, the term plata is a very common slang word for money, often used in place of moneda in informal settings. It literally translates to 'silver'.
- The word divisa also means 'coat of arms' or a distinguishing emblem. In a historical context, it referred to the badge that identified a specific knight or noble house.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es la moneda de Taiwán?What is the currency of Taiwan?This sentence is useful for asking about the currency of a specific country using moneda.Tatoeba #9704215 by Shishir, translation #10501932 by tchrspet1
- El euro es más que una moneda.The Euro is more than a currency.This sentence demonstrates how moneda can be used to describe the Euro.Tatoeba #4605721 by DarkHollow, translation #4603771 by Hybrid
- La divisa de Italia es el euro.Italy's currency is the euro.This sentence shows how to use divisa when discussing Italy's currency.Tatoeba #10021554 by manufrutos, translation #7030782 by Hybrid
- ¿Cuál es la moneda oficial en España?What is the official currency in Spain?
- Me quedé sin pastaI ran out of cash
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are at a travel agency discussing a trip.
- Elena¿Sabes qué moneda usan en ese país?Do you know what currency they use in that country?
- DanielSí, la moneda es el peso.Yes, the currency is the peso.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿debería cambiar dinero ahora?Daniel, should I exchange money now?
- DanielEs mejor esperar un poco.It is better to wait a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “currency” translations and entries moneda, divisa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries divisa, moneda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
