Efectivo vs. metálico
In Spanish, 'efectivo' and 'metálico' both refer to the concept of cash, but they can have slightly different connotations and usages. Understanding these differences helps to navigate financial conversations in Spanish-speaking environments properly.
Efectivo
The word 'efectivo' (or 'dinero en efectivo') generally refers to money in the form of bills and coins that are used to make transactions. It is a more formal term and widely used in banking and finance.
Prefiero pagar en efectivo para evitar comisiones de la tarjeta.
(I prefer to pay in cash to avoid card fees.)
¿Aceptan efectivo o solo tarjeta?
(Do you accept cash or just cards?)
Necesito ir al cajero para sacar efectivo.
(I need to go to the ATM to withdraw cash.)
Metálico
'Metálico' is a less formal synonym of 'efectivo', often used colloquially. It also refers to physical money such as coins and bills, but it may not be as commonly used in banking contexts.
Voy a pagar todo en metálico.
(I am going to pay everything with cash.)
¿Cuánto metálico tienes encima?
(How much cash do you have on you?)
Por favor, necesitamos el pago en metálico.
(Please, we need the payment in cash.)
Summary
'Efectivo' and 'metálico' are terms used interchangeably to mean 'cash' in Spanish, with 'efectivo' being the more formal alternative often seen in financial contexts. Both refer to physical currency—coins and bills—and provide options for expressing the concept of cash in different social and conversational settings.