chavos
slang, Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico the common slang word for money is chavos. The standard word is dinero, which works everywhere. It is also called plata.
Meaning: money (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chavos | slang, Puerto Rico |
| plata | casual |
| dinero | standard |
Chavos is used in the plural: No tengo chavos means "I have no money". It is relaxed and fits friends and family.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word chavos is strongly associated with Puerto Rico. In other countries people may say plata or lana, so use dinero if you are not sure.
Did you know?
- In Puerto Rican talk a chavo can also be a small coin, and the plural chavos came to mean money in general.
Examples in context
- No tengo chavos hoy.I have no money today.
- Necesito más dinero para el viaje.I need more money for the trip.
- Ese carro cuesta muchos chavos.That car costs a lot of money.
Example conversation
Néstor and his friend Eddie talk in a cafe in Ponce about paying the bill.
- NéstorEddie, hoy ando sin chavos.Eddie, today I am out of money.
- EddieTranquilo, yo pago.Relax, I will pay.
- NéstorGracias, la próxima la pago yo.Thanks, I will pay next time.
