acuñado
/akuɲado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "minted" translates to Spanish as acuñado.
This term is used to describe a coin that has been officially produced by a mint. Beyond its literal use for currency, it is also used metaphorically to describe a term or phrase that has been "coined" or established within a language.
What does it mean word for word?
The word comes from the verb acuñar, which literally means "to strike a nail" or "to forge/stamp".
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. For example, use acuñada when modifying feminine nouns such as moneda (coin).
How do you pronounce it?
/akuɲado/
Did you know?
- When referring to coins that are 'mint condition', Spanish often avoids acuñado and instead uses the phrase sin circular, which literally means 'without circulating'.
- The word acuñado shares a deep root with the word cuña, which means 'wedge'. This reflects the ancient process of using a wedge-like die to stamp metal.
- While acuñado refers to the process of stamping a coin, the Spanish word for a physical mint building is casa de moneda, which literally translates to 'house of currency'.
Examples in context
- ¡Estoy estrenando mi traje nuevo!I'm wearing my brand-new suit!
- Mi carro es nuevecito, ¡acabo de comprarlo!My car is brand-new, I just bought it!
- ¡Echa un vistazo a mi flamante bicicleta!Take a look at my brand-new bicycle!
- ¡El libro que me regalaron está estrenadito!The book I was gifted is mint condition!
- Este es un ejemplar recién acuñado.This is a freshly minted specimen.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking at a rare coin collection.
- SofíaMira esta moneda, es muy especial.Look at this coin, it is very special.
- Alejandro¿Cuándo fue acuñado este ejemplar, Sofía?When was this specimen minted, Sofía?
- SofíaFue acuñada hace más de cien años.It was minted more than a hundred years ago.
- AlejandroEs increíble que esté en tan buen estado.It is incredible that it is in such good condition.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
