plata
everyday, Costa Rica
In Costa Rica money is plata in everyday speech and dinero in a formal one. The currency is the colón, and prices are given in colones.
Meaning: currency used to pay for things (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| plata | everyday, Costa Rica |
| dinero | standard |
| colones | currency |
Say no tengo plata for "I have no money" and ¿cuánto cuesta? for "how much is it?" Official forms use dinero.
When do people say it?
Many Ticos talk about prices in colones, and tourists often see prices in US dollars, which are also accepted in many places.
Did you know?
- The colón is named after Cristóbal Colón, the Spanish name of Christopher Columbus.
Examples in context
- No tengo plata hoy.I have no money today.
- Necesito sacar dinero del cajero.I need to take money out of the ATM.
- Pago en colones.I pay in colones.
Example conversation
Raúl and his friend Andrés decide how to pay at a market.
- Raúl¿Tenés plata para el almuerzo?Do you have money for lunch?
- AndrésSí, traigo colones.Yes, I have colones.
- RaúlEntonces yo invito el café.Then I will buy the coffee.
