divisa
“divisa” means “foreign currency” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
foreign currency
Also: currency
📝 In Action
Necesito cambiar divisas antes de mi viaje a Japón.
A2I need to exchange foreign currency before my trip to Japan.
El euro es una divisa muy estable.
B1The euro is a very stable currency.
El mercado de divisas abre las veinticuatro horas del día.
B2The foreign exchange market is open twenty-four hours a day.
motto
Also: insignia, emblem
📝 In Action
La divisa de la familia era 'Siempre adelante'.
B2The family motto was 'Always forward'.
Los soldados llevaban una divisa roja en el uniforme.
C1The soldiers wore a red insignia on their uniforms.
he/she catches sight of
Also: glimpses
📝 In Action
Desde la cima, el explorador divisa el campamento.
B1From the peak, the explorer catches sight of the camp.
A lo lejos se divisa la silueta de la ciudad.
B2The silhouette of the city can be seen in the distance.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: divisa
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is most likely to be called a 'divisa' in a financial context?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'divisa,' which is the feminine form of 'divisus' (divided). Originally, it referred to things that were separated or marked out to be distinguished from others, which explains how it became both a symbol (motto) and a specific type of money (currency).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'divisa' to mean a regular coin?
No, you should use 'moneda' for physical coins. 'Divisa' is for the concept of currency, especially foreign ones.
Is 'divisa' a common word?
It is very common in the news and at travel exchange booths, but you won't use it every day like the word 'dinero' (money).
How do I know if 'divisa' is a noun or a verb?
Look at the sentence. If it's after 'la' (la divisa), it's a noun (currency/motto). If it's after a person (él divisa), it's a verb (he spots).