peso
/ˈpeso/masculine
The English phrase "peso" is translated into Spanish as peso.
peso refers to the unit of currency used in several different countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Colombia.
Meaning: currency (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the informal word for peso is varo.
How does it change in a sentence?
peso is a masculine noun. As such, it is preceded by the masculine article el to form el peso. To form the plural, change the ending to pesos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpeso/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word 'pienso' means 'I think', and although it looks similar to 'peso', it comes from a different branch of the same ancient root meaning 'to weigh' or 'to consider'.
- The Spanish peso influenced the naming of other currencies throughout history, as it was once a global standard for silver coinage used in trade across Asia and Europe.
- The word peso literally means 'weight'. This is because early coins were valued based on the physical weight of the precious metal they contained.
Examples in context
- ¿Puede cambiarme un billete de diez pesos?Can you change a ten-peso bill for me?This sentence is useful for practicing how to ask to change a bill using the word peso.Tatoeba #2258139 by THURET, translation #2258138 by _undertoad
- No tengo ni un solo peso.I don't have a single peso.
- Ese café cuesta un peso.That coffee costs one peso.
- Tengo que pagar un peso por el dulce.I have to pay one peso for the candy.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are at a small market stall.
- Mateo¿Cuánto cuesta este dulce, Elena?How much does this candy cost, Elena?
- ElenaCuesta solo un peso, Mateo.It costs only one peso, Mateo.
- Mateo¡Es muy barato!It's very cheap!
- ElenaSí, dame un peso y te lo doy.Yes, give me one peso and I'll give it to you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peso” translations and entries peso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries peso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
