Knowing how to talk about money is essential when traveling or living in a Spanish-speaking country. While “dinero” is the standard word for Money In Spanish, countless slang terms vary widely across regions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to say “money” in Spanish slang, equipping you with the vocabulary needed to navigate everyday conversations with confidence.
Basic Terms for Money in Spanish
Before diving into the colorful world of slang, let’s establish the foundation with the most common and universally understood terms:
- Dinero: This is the most neutral and formal word for money in Spanish, understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Use it in formal settings like banks or official transactions.
- Plata: Predominantly used in Latin America, “plata” is a more casual way to say money. It literally translates to “silver,” reflecting the historical significance of silver coinage.
Regional Slang Terms for Money in Spanish
The real fun begins with the diverse slang terms for money used across different Spanish-speaking countries. Here’s a breakdown by region:
Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean:
- Baro: Common in Mexico, El Salvador, and Cuba.
- Billete: Used throughout Latin America, referring to banknotes or money in general.
- Chavo: Primarily used in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.
- Chimbilín: Heard in El Salvador and Panama.
- Feria: In Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, this can refer to money or small change.
- Pisto: Common slang for money in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. In other regions, it refers to a vegetable dish.
South America:
- Biyuya (and variations): Used in Argentina, Uruguay, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, and Chile, with spellings like “biyuyo,” “billuyo,” and “billullo.”
- Chirola: Argentinian slang specifically for coins or low-value money.
- Cushqui: Ecuadorian slang, particularly popular among young people.
- Gamba: In Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, “gamba” (shrimp) refers to hundreds of pesos. For example, “seis gambas” would be 600 pesos.
- Guita (and Guitarra): “Guita” is widespread in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, and Uruguay. “Guitarra” is primarily used in Bolivia.
- Luca: In Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, a “luca” represents one thousand pesos. In Colombia, it refers to one peso.
- Mango: While meaning “mango” elsewhere, in Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay, it signifies an amount of money, similar to “buck” in English.
- Mosca: Meaning “fly” in standard Spanish, “la mosca” (the fly) is slang for “the money” in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
- Palo: Used in Argentina, Colombia, Panama, and Peru to represent one million pesos.
Spain:
- Pasta: A common slang term for money in Spain. Remember, in other regions, it refers to pasta!
- Pavo: Refers to one Euro in Spain. Elsewhere, it means “turkey.”
- Pela: Another popular term for money in Spain, often used in the plural form “pelas.”
Common Spanish Money Expressions:
Beyond individual words, several expressions incorporate money-related themes:
- El tiempo es oro: “Time is money.” This emphasizes the value of time.
- No todo lo que brilla es oro: “Not all that glitters is gold.” A cautionary saying about appearances being deceptive.
- Tiene más lana que un borrego: “He/she has more wool than a sheep,” meaning someone is very wealthy. This playfully uses the double meaning of “lana.”
- No dar ni un peso por algo/alguien: “To not give a peso for something/someone,” meaning to write something or someone off as worthless.
- Estar forrado: “To be lined (with money),” meaning to be very rich.
Understanding the nuances of “money” in Spanish goes beyond simple translation. By familiarizing yourself with these regional slang terms and expressions, you’ll enhance your communication skills and gain a deeper cultural understanding. So, next time you’re in a Spanish-speaking country, don’t just ask for “dinero”—use the local lingo to truly connect with the culture.
