cambio exacto
/kambjo eɡsaɡto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "exact change" is translated into Spanish as cambio exacto.
cambio exacto refers to the precise amount of money required for a payment so that no change is needed from the seller. This phrase is commonly used in retail settings or on signs to indicate that a merchant cannot provide change for larger bills.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cambio (change) and exacto (exact).
Which one should you use?
If you are referring to multiple types of change or a collection of change, use the plural form cambios exactos.
Did you know?
- In radio communications, Spanish speakers use cambio to mean 'over' when signaling that they have finished speaking and are waiting for a response.
- While English speakers use 'change' for both the coins returned and the act of swapping, a Spanish speaker might use suelto to refer specifically to the loose coins one carries. If you want to specify that you have the exact coins ready, you might say tengo el importe justo en suelto.
- The Latin root of exacto, exāctus, carries the sense of 'driven out' or 'demanded', which underscores the idea that the amount is something strictly required and cannot be altered.
Examples in context
- ¿Tiene el cambio exacto, por favor?Do you have the exact change, please?
- Disculpe, ¿puede darme el cambio exacto?Excuse me, can you give me the exact change?
- ¿Tienes el cambio justo?Do you have the right change?
- Oye, ¿me puedes dar el cambio exacto?Hey, can you give me the exact change?
- Por favor, tenga el cambio exacto.Please have the exact change.
- No tengo cambio exacto para el autobús.I don't have exact change for the bus.
- ¿Tiene cambio exacto para el café?Do you have exact change for the coffee?
- Por favor, use el cambio exacto en la máquina.Please use the exact change in the machine.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are at a parking meter.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿tienes cambio exacto para el parquímetro?Alejandro, do you have exact change for the parking meter?
- AlejandroNo, solo tengo un billete grande.No, I only have a large bill.
- LucíaEntonces no podemos pagar ahora.Then we cannot pay right now.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, buscaré monedas en el coche.Don't worry, I'll look for coins in the car.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cambio, exacto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
