giro postal
/xiɾo postal/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase 'money order' can be translated into Spanish using giro postal. Wiktionary also lists moniórder and órden dineraria.
Meaning: a type of cheque (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| giro postal | /xiɾo postal/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| moniórder | /monjoɾdeɾ/ (from spelling rules) | US, masculine |
| órden dineraria | /oɾden dineɾaɾja/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
A money order refers to a type of cheque used to send funds.
What does it mean word for word?
The term giro postal literally translates to 'postal transfer'.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form giro postal is a standard term, while moniórder is a phonetic anglicism. The feminine form órden dineraria is also a way to express the concept.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the United States, Spanish speakers often use the phonetic anglicism moniórder.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of giro postal is giros postales.
How do you pronounce it?
/xiɾo postal/
Did you know?
- The word giro comes from the Latin gȳrus, meaning 'circle' or 'circuit'. This reflects the idea of money circulating or turning from one person to another.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, giro is not just a 'money order' but a general term for any remittance sent by migrants to their families in their home countries.
- The word moniórder is a 'Spanglish' term that functions as a phonetic adaptation of the English 'money order'. While common in the United States, using it in Spain or other parts of Latin America might lead to confusion as it is not a standard dictionary term.
Examples in context
- Mándeme la cantidad por giro postal.Send me the amount by money order.This sentence demonstrates how to request a payment using the form giro postal.Tatoeba #2267706 by cueyayotl, translation #2267705 by _undertoad
- Voy al banco para enviar un giro postal a mi familia en México.I'm going to the bank to send a money order to my family in Mexico.
- Necesito obtener una orden de pago para pagar el alquiler.I need to get a money order to pay the rent.
- ¿Puedes enviarme un giro para ayudarme con los gastos?Can you send me a money order to help with expenses?
- Necesito pagar el alquiler con un giro postal.I need to pay the rent with a money order.
- El giro postal llegó por correo esta mañana.The money order arrived by mail this morning.
Example conversation
Sofía is asking Javier for advice at a post office.
- Sofía¿Puedo enviar este giro postal a otro país?Can I send this money order to another country?
- JavierSí, Sofía, pero tiene una comisión adicional.Yes, Sofía, but it has an additional fee.
- SofíaEntiendo, ¿es seguro usar un giro postal?I see, is it safe to use a money order?
- JavierEs muy seguro para enviar dinero, Sofía.It is very safe for sending money, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “money order” translations, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries giro, postal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
