ficha
/ˈfit͡ʃa/
The English word "token" is translated into Spanish as ficha.
In Spanish, ficha is used to refer to a physical token, such as a game piece, a chip or a small object used as a voucher or token in a machine. It represents something that serves as an expression of something else.
Meaning: something serving as an expression of something else (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ficha refers to a physical object serving as a token, the word gesto is used when the token is an abstract expression or a symbolic gesture of goodwill.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ficha is fichas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfitʃa/
Did you know?
- Calling someone a ficha in Spanish slang suggests they are a 'character' or a suspicious person with a questionable reputation.
- In a professional context, fichar is the verb used for clocking in or out of work, as if one were inserting a 'token' into a time clock.
- In a legal or medical context, ficha refers to a person's official record, and being fichado means one has been formally registered or 'booked' by the police.
Examples in context
- Para utilizar el servicio, por favor, retire una ficha en la recepción.To use the service, please take a token at the reception.
- ¿Me puedes prestar una fichita para la máquina?Can you lend me a token for the machine?
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are at an old arcade.
- MateoLucía, ¿tienes una ficha para el juego?Lucía, do you have a token for the game?
- LucíaNo, Mateo, creo que ya no tengo.No, Mateo, I think I don't have any more.
- MateoVoy a comprar una ficha en la máquina.I am going to buy a token from the machine.
- LucíaPerfecto, yo espero aquí.Perfect, I will wait here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ficha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
