níquel
/ˈnikel/
In Spanish, the word for nickel is níquel.
The term níquel is used to refer to the chemical element. It is not typically used to refer to a five-cent coin in most Spanish-speaking countries.
Meaning: coin (noun)
Which one should you use?
In most Spanish-speaking countries, the word 'níquel' refers to the chemical element rather than a five-cent coin. To refer to a five-cent coin, you should use moneda de cinco centavos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnikel/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word níquel actually traces its roots back to a German name, 'Nickel', which was a nickname for a mischievous sprite or goblin. This relates to the mistaken belief that the metal contained cobalt, which was thought to be caused by these spirits.
- If you mistakenly ask for a níquel to pay for something, a clerk might think you are offering them a piece of raw metal instead of a coin.
Examples in context
- El níquel es un metal duro y de color blanco plateado.Nickel is a hard, silver-white metal.This sentence describes the physical properties of níquel.Tatoeba #1002757 by arashi_29, translation #35969 by CM
- Encontré un níquel en el suelo.I found a nickel on the ground.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are looking for change for a vending machine.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿tienes alguna moneda?Daniel, do you have any coins?
- DanielSolo tengo un níquel.I only have a nickel.
- ElenaEso no es suficiente.That is not enough.
- DanielLo siento, Elena, no tengo más.I'm sorry, Elena, I don't have any more.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry níquel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries níquel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
