efectivo
nounBeginnerHigh frequency
What does “efectivo” mean in English?
cash
Example sentences
Pago en efectivo.
I pay in cash.
No tengo efectivo.
I have no cash.
El descuento es solo en efectivo.
The discount is only with cash.
How to use it
Efectivo means 'cash' (the substantive). Masculine: el efectivo. Also functions as adjective ('effective'). Pagar en efectivo = 'pay in cash'.
Common mistake
Use 'en efectivo' (with en) for 'in cash'. Don't say 'con efectivo' — the standard collocation is 'pagar EN efectivo'.
Topics
Related Beginner words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows A New Reference Grammar of Modern Spanish (Butt, Benjamin & Moreira Rodríguez, Routledge), 1.