tarjeta prepago
/taɾxeta pɾepaɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "prepaid card" is tarjeta prepago in Spanish.
A tarjeta prepago refers to a payment card that is loaded with a specific amount of money before it is used.
Which one should you use?
Tarjeta prepagada is a formal way to say prepaid card. Additionally, Tarjeta recargable is a formal term for a prepaid card that emphasizes the rechargeable aspect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tarjeta prepago is often used as a compound noun where prepago functions as an adjective modifying tarjeta. To make the phrase plural, you only change the noun tarjeta to tarjetas, as prepago remains in its singular form when acting as a modifier: tarjetas prepago means "prepaid cards".
How do you pronounce it?
/taɾxeta pɾepaɡo/
Did you know?
- The word tarjeta shares a surprising history with English through the word 'target'. Both stem from the idea of a small plate or shield used for protection.
- In some Latin American regions, a common way to refer to these cards is simply as saldo, which refers to the actual balance rather than the physical card itself.
- If you are in a shop and need to add money to your card, you might ask to recargar la tarjeta. This uses the verb recargar, which also means to 'recharge' a battery or a phone.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar una tarjeta prepagada?Where can I buy a prepaid card?
- Quiero una tarjeta recargable para mi teléfonoI want a rechargeable card for my phone
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo recargar mi tarjeta prepago?Do you know where I can recharge my prepaid card?
- Necesito una tarjeta prepago para el viaje.I need a prepaid card for the trip.
- Esta tarjeta prepago tiene saldo insuficiente.This prepaid card has insufficient balance.
- Puedes usar una tarjeta prepago para comprar esto.You can use a prepaid card to buy this.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are shopping at a store.
- JavierElena, ¿tienes una tarjeta prepago?Elena, do you have a prepaid card?
- ElenaNo, Javier. Solo tengo efectivo.No, Javier. I only have cash.
- JavierYo usaré mi tarjeta prepago entonces.I will use my prepaid card then.
- ElenaPerfecto, gracias por pagar.Perfect, thanks for paying.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tarjeta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
