casa de empeño
/kasa de empeɲo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, a pawn shop is called casa de empeño.
A pawn shop is a store where people leave items as collateral in exchange for a cash loan. The term casa de empeño is a common formal way to refer to these businesses.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase casa de empeño literally translates to 'house of pawn' or 'house of pawning'.
Which one should you use?
While casa de empeño is a standard term, Monte de piedad specifically refers to a pawn shop operated by a charitable organization. Additionally, Casas de préstamo can also be used to describe a pawn shop.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression Monte de piedad is frequently used in Spain, Mexico and other Latin American countries. In Mexico, the term Casas de préstamo is particularly used.
Did you know?
- The phrase Monte de piedad literally translates to 'mountain of mercy'.
- In Spanish, the word empeño is also used to describe a person's stubbornness or intense determination to achieve a goal.
- The term Monte de piedad refers to a specific historical model of non-profit pawning created by Franciscans in the 15th century to fight usury.
Examples in context
- Necesito llevar esta joya a una casa de empeño para obtener un préstamo.I need to take this jewel to a pawn shop to get a loan.
- Necesito ir a la casa de empeño.I need to go to the pawn shop.
- Hay una casa de empeño cerca de aquí.There is a pawn shop near here.
- Ella dejó su anillo en la casa de empeño.She left her ring at the pawn shop.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing how to get extra money for a trip.
- Lucía¿Sabes de alguna casa de empeño por aquí?Do you know of any pawn shop around here?
- JavierSí, hay una en la calle principal.Yes, there is one on the main street.
- LucíaPerfecto, voy a ver qué puedo empeñar.Perfect, I'm going to see what I can pawn.
- JavierSuerte con eso, Lucía.Good luck with that, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
