Understanding how to talk about finances is crucial no matter where you are in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Spain or Latin America, grasping the nuances of “Money Is Spanish” – specifically, the diverse slang terms for currency – is essential for smooth interactions. While universal Spanish words for money exist and are useful in formal settings like banks, knowing the local slang will help you truly connect with native speakers.
This article dives deep into the fascinating world of “money is Spanish,” uncovering over 20 regional slang terms. We’ll start with the most common and neutral Spanish words for money, then embark on a linguistic journey across Spanish-speaking countries, from Spain to Argentina, Mexico to Cuba, revealing the incredible variety of slang used. To add a bit of fun, we’ll also explore some popular Spanish expressions related to money.
So, let’s get started, because as they say in Spanish, “¡El tiempo es oro!” – Time is money!
Recommended: How to Learn Spanish Fast in 2025
Common Spanish Words for Money
Before we delve into the colorful world of Spanish slang for money, let’s establish a solid foundation with the neutral terms. These are your go-to words when you’re just starting to learn “money is Spanish” and need to be understood everywhere.
Dinero
Money
“Dinero” is the most universally recognized and dictionary-standard translation of “money is Spanish.” Whenever you need a safe and formal term for money in Spanish, “dinero” is your best bet. It’s understood by Spanish speakers across the globe, making it ideal for any situation.
However, in casual, everyday conversations, especially amongst locals, “dinero” might sound a bit formal. When in doubt, though, using “dinero” will always be correctly understood.
-
I need money to buy bread every day. – Necesito dinero para comprar el pan todos los días.
-
Money doesn’t buy happiness. – El dinero no compra la felicidad.
Plata
Money
If your travels are taking you to Latin America, “plata” is a key word for “money is Spanish” to learn. “Plata” is the most common and generally neutral way to say money throughout most Latin American countries. It’s less formal than “dinero” in many regions and is widely accepted in everyday conversation.
Interestingly, “plata” also directly translates to “silver,” the precious metal. This dual meaning is important to note, though in context, it’s almost always clear whether you’re talking about money or silver.
-
I need you to give me back the money I lent you. – Necesito que me devuelvas la plata que te presté.
-
We save a lot of money every month. – Ahorramos mucha plata todos los meses.
Slang Terms: Regional Expressions for “Money is Spanish”
Everyday conversation is where slang flourishes, and “money is Spanish” is no exception. You’ve already learned the foundational words, now prepare for a whirlwind tour of the Spanish-speaking world to uncover the diverse and fascinating slang terms for money! From Spain to Argentina, Cuba to Mexico, the variations are truly remarkable. Let’s explore the regional slang that makes “money is Spanish” so rich and dynamic.
Mexico, El Salvador, Cuba
Baro
In Mexico, as well as in El Salvador and Cuba, “baro” is a popular slang term for money. It’s informal and commonly used in casual conversations.
- Without money, you can go nowhere. – Sin baro no puedes ir a ningún lado.
Latin America
Billete
“Billete” primarily means “banknote” in Spanish. However, across Latin America, “billete” is also used to refer to “money is Spanish” in general. It’s a widely understood slang term throughout the region.
- I sold nothing today! It’s because ordinary people have no money. – ¡No vendí nada hoy! Es que no hay billete en la calle.
Argentina, Uruguay, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Chile
Biyuya, Biyuyo, Billuyo, Billullo
This term for “money is Spanish” appears with slight spelling variations depending on the country, but the meaning remains consistent across Argentina, Uruguay, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, and Chile. Whether you spell it “biyuya,” “biyuyo,” “billuyo,” or “billullo,” it’s understood as slang for money.
- We’re broke, they’ve taken all the money we had. – Estamos en bancarrota, se llevaron toda la biyuya que teníamos.
Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic
Chavo
In Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, “chavo” is a common slang word for “money is Spanish.” It’s often used in informal settings and everyday conversations.
- My friends lent me some money to pay my debts. – Mis amigos me prestaron unos chavos para pagar mis deudas.
El Salvador, Panama
Chimbilín
“Chimbilín” is a slang term for “money is Spanish” used in El Salvador and Panama. It’s less common than some other terms but still recognized in these regions.
- In this family we always need money. – En esta familia siempre necesitamos chimbilín.
Argentina
Chirola
“Chirola” is Argentinian slang specifically for low-value money or coins. It’s useful when talking about small change or insignificant amounts of money in “money is Spanish.”
- Will you lend me some coins, dude? – ¿Me prestás unas chirolas, chabón?
Ecuador
Cushqui
In Ecuador, particularly among younger generations, “cushqui” is a slang term for “money is Spanish.” It’s informal and popular in youth culture.
- Guys, if there’s no money, we can’t go to the discothèque. – Chicos, si no hay cushqui no podemos ir a la disco.
Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador
Feria
“Feria” is a Spanish slang term for money used in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. In some areas, it can also refer to small change, adding another layer to “money is Spanish.”
-
Shall we go to the movies? / No, bro, I have no money. – ¿Vamos al cine? / No, mano, no tengo feria.
-
They gave me 20 pesos in change. – Me dieron 20 pesos de feria.
Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
Gamba
While “gamba” translates to “shrimp” in standard Spanish, in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, it’s slang for “money is Spanish.” Specifically, “gamba” refers to 100 pesos. So, “una gamba” is 100 pesos.
- The train ticket is about 600 pesos. – El boleto de tren sale como seis gambas.
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, Uruguay
Guita, Guitarra
“Guitarra” is mainly used in Bolivia, while its shortened form, “guita,” is more widespread across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, and Uruguay. You might recognize “guitarra” as the standard Spanish word for “guitar,” but in slang, it means “money is Spanish.”
- Wanna hang out tonight? / I ain’t got no money, dude. – ¿Salimos esta noche? / No tengo guita, che.
Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Harina
“Harina,” most common in Costa Rica and used by everyone, is slang for “money is Spanish.” In Nicaragua, it’s primarily used among younger people. If you’re familiar with cooking vocabulary, you’ll know “harina” means “flour” in standard Spanish.
- How much money do you have left in your wallet? – ¿Cuánta harina te queda en la cartera?
Mexico, Panama, Peru
Lana
In Mexico, Panama, and Peru, “lana” is frequently used as Spanish slang for money. Throughout the rest of the Spanish-speaking world, and in dictionaries, “lana” simply means “wool.”
- I don’t go on vacations ’cause I have no money, bro. – No me voy de viaje porque no tengo lana, mano.
Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia
Luca
In Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, “luca” is slang for “one thousand pesos.” In Colombia, it can also refer to just “one peso,” showcasing regional variations in “money is Spanish.”
- The concert tickets are really expensive, like 25 thousand pesos. – La entrada al recital está carísima, como 25 lucas.
Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay
Mango
“Mango” usually refers to the sweet tropical fruit. However, in Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay, “mango” is also used as a slang term for “money is Spanish,” similar to how “buck” is used in English.
Be aware that in other regions, like Mexico, “mango” slang has a completely different meaning – it refers to an attractive man!
- Last night we couldn’t go out with the girls because we didn’t have a single buck. – Anoche no pudimos salir con las chicas porque no teníamos ni un mango.
Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay
Mosca
“Mosca” is the Spanish word for “fly,” the insect. But in slang across a wide range of countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, and Uruguay, “la mosca” is slang for “money is Spanish.”
- Fork over the money, dude! – ¡Larga la mosca, viejo!
Argentina, Colombia, Panama, Peru
Palo
In Argentina, Colombia, Panama, and Peru, “palo” is Spanish slang for “one million pesos.” In standard Spanish, “uno palo” means “a club,” “a pole,” or “a stick.”
- The gringos invested like fifty thousand millions in that company. – Los gringos invirtieron como cincuenta mil palos en esa empresa.
Spain
Pasta
“Pasta” is a Spanish slang term for “money is Spanish” that’s primarily used in Spain. However, be careful! In most of the Spanish-speaking world, “pasta” refers to spaghetti or pasta dishes.
- How much money do you have with you, dude? – ¿Cuánta pasta traes contigo, tío?
Spain
Pavo
“Pavo” is widely used in Spain to mean “one Euro.” The literal translation of “pavo” is “turkey.” This is a very Spain-specific slang term for “money is Spanish.”
- Hey, will you lend me a Euro? – ¿Oye, me prestas un pavo?
Spain
Pela
“Pela” is another Spanish slang term for “money is Spanish” mainly used in Spain. It’s most often used in the plural form, “pelas.”
- Daddy, you’ll have to give me some money to go out. – Papi, me vas a tener que dar algunas pelas para salir.
Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador
Pisto
“Pisto” in Spanish usually refers to “fried vegetables.” However, in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, “pisto” is Spanish slang for money.
- All my money has been stolen! – ¡Que me han robado todo el pisto!
Spanish Expressions About Money
Beyond individual words, “money is Spanish” is also woven into common expressions. Here are a few phrases related to money that are used across the Spanish-speaking world:
El tiempo es oro
Time is money
This motivational phrase is used in Spanish just like its English equivalent! It emphasizes the value of time, equating it to money.
- C’mon guys hurry up! Time is money. – ¡Vamos chicos!, apúrense que el tiempo es oro.
No todo lo que brilla es oro
Not all that glitters is gold
This proverb, common in both English and Spanish, warns that appearances can be deceptive. Just because something looks good or valuable (“oro” – gold), doesn’t mean it actually is.
- Be careful with that job offer, because not all that glitters is gold. – Ten cuidado con esa oferta de trabajo porque no todo lo que brilla es oro.
Tiene más lana que un borrego
He/She has a lot of money
This expression cleverly plays on the two meanings of “lana” – wool and slang for money. Literally translating to “He/She has more wool than a sheep,” it figuratively means someone is very wealthy.
- How come he cannot buy you anything? He has a lot of money! – ¿Cómo que no puede comprarte nada? ¡Si tiene más lana que un borrego!
No dar ni un peso por algo/alguien
To write something/someone off
If you “no das ni un peso” for something or someone, you consider them insignificant and worthless, not deserving of your attention. “Peso” here represents a minimal amount of money.
- The project was so badly introduced that the entrepreneurs wrote it off. – La presentación del proyecto fue tan mala que los empresarios no dieron ni un peso por él.
Estar forrado
To be loaded
“Estar forrado” is a Spanish slang phrase used to describe someone who is rich or has a lot of money. It’s a common way to say someone is “loaded” in “money is Spanish.”
- Alberto has no money issues. He’s loaded! – Alberto no tiene ningún problema de plata, ¡si está forrado!
Conclusion: Mastering “Money is Spanish”
As you now know, understanding the vocabulary of “money is Spanish” goes far beyond simple translations. It’s about navigating a rich tapestry of regional slang and expressions that reflect the cultural nuances of the Spanish-speaking world. While universal terms like “dinero” and “plata” are essential, knowing the local slang will significantly enhance your communication and connection with native speakers.
From the neutral terms to the diverse slang and idiomatic expressions, we’ve explored the fascinating landscape of “money is Spanish.” We hope this journey has been enlightening and entertaining, and that you feel more prepared to discuss finances in Spanish, wherever your travels may take you.
This exploration of “money is Spanish” is just the beginning of your slang-learning adventure. We encourage you to continue exploring the richness of the Spanish language!
Further reading: Spanish slang
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the world of Spanish slang, we’ve compiled a list of resources covering various aspects of this dynamic and ever-evolving part of the language:
Spanish swear words and insults
How to use “qué chulo” in Spanish
How to gossip in Spanish
“It is what it is” in Spanish
Spanish slang terms for different nationalities
Spanish slang terms for foreign tourists
Different ways to refer to “friends” in Spanish
All the words for “beer” in Spanish
Regional terms for “banana” in Spanish
Argentinean slang
Bolivian slang
Chilean slang
Colombian slang
Medellín slang words
Medellín slang expressions
Costa Rican slang
Cuban slang
Dominican and Caribbean slang
Ecuadorian slang
El Salvadorean slang
Guatemalan slang
Honduran slang
Mexican slang
Nicaraguan slang
Panamanian slang
Paraguayan slang
Peruvian slang
Puerto Rican and Caribbean slang
Spaniard slang
Uruguayan slang
Venezuelan expressions
Venezuelan slang
