dinero
/dee-NEH-roh/
📝 In Action
¿Tienes dinero para el café?
A1Do you have money for the coffee?
No tengo suficiente dinero para comprar ese coche.
A2I don't have enough money to buy that car.
Ella invierte su dinero en la bolsa de valores.
B1She invests her money in the stock market.
El objetivo de la fundación es recaudar dinero para los necesitados.
B2The foundation's goal is to raise money for those in need.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine: 'el dinero'
Even though 'dinero' ends in '-o', it's good to remember it's a masculine word. Always say 'el dinero' (the money) or 'mucho dinero' (a lot of money).
You Can't 'Count' It
In Spanish, like in English, 'dinero' is a general idea. You count 'euros' or 'dollars,' but not 'moneys.' So, 'dinero' almost always stays singular.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'dineros'
Mistake: "Tengo muchos dineros."
Correction: Tengo mucho dinero. 'Dinero' refers to the concept of money, so you don't usually make it plural, even when talking about a large amount.
⭐ Usage Tips
Cash vs. Money
While 'dinero' can mean 'cash,' if you specifically want to say you're paying with bills and coins (not a card), the word 'efectivo' is clearer. For example, '¿Paga con tarjeta o en efectivo?' (Are you paying with a card or in cash?).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dinero
Question 1 of 2
If someone in Argentina says, 'No tengo plata,' what do they mean?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'dinero' singular even if I have a lot of it?
Think of it like 'water' or 'sand' in English. You wouldn't say 'I have many waters.' You'd say 'I have a lot of water.' 'Dinero' works the same way. It's an idea or a substance, so it stays singular. You count the units, like 'euros' or 'pesos,' not the 'money' itself.
What's the difference between 'dinero' and 'efectivo'?
'Dinero' is the general word for all money, including money in your bank account, on a credit card, etc. 'Efectivo' is more specific and means physical cash—the bills and coins you can hold in your hand. You use 'efectivo' when you want to make it clear you're not paying with a card.