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efectivo

eh-fek-TEE-voh/e.fekˈti.βo/

“efectivo” means “effective” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

effective, actual

Also: real
An arrow is lodged perfectly in the center of a colorful red and white bullseye target, symbolizing success.

📝 In Action

La nueva estrategia de ventas ha sido muy efectiva.

B1

The new sales strategy has been very effective.

La cifra efectiva de asistentes fue de cien personas.

B2

The actual figure of attendees was one hundred people.

Necesitamos una solución más efectiva para este problema.

B1

We need a more effective solution for this problem.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • eficaz (efficient)
  • real (real)

Antonyms

  • ineficaz (ineffective)
  • ficticio (fictitious)

Common Collocations

  • medida efectiva – effective measure
  • fuerza efectiva – actual strength/manpower

cash

Also: currency
NounmA2
MexicoSpain
A neat stack of green paper bills is placed next to a small pile of gold and silver coins.

📝 In Action

¿Puedo pagar en efectivo o solo con tarjeta?

A2

Can I pay in cash or only by card?

Siempre llevo algo de efectivo para emergencias.

A2

I always carry some cash for emergencies.

El cajero automático me dio billetes pequeños en efectivo.

B1

The ATM gave me small bills in cash.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dinero (money)
  • metálico (cash (formal))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pagar en efectivo – to pay in cash
  • solo efectivo – cash only

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "efectivo" in Spanish:

actual→cash→currency→effective→real→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: efectivo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'efectivo' as the noun meaning 'cash'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
efectividad(effectiveness) — Noun
efecto(effect) — Noun
efectuar(to carry out/execute) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Medieval Latin word *effectīvus*, meaning 'capable of performing' or 'that which produces an effect.' It shares roots with the English word 'effect.'

First recorded: Late Middle Ages

Cognates (Related words)

English: effectiveFrench: effectifPortuguese: efetivo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'efectivo' (noun) and 'dinero'?

'Dinero' is the general word for 'money.' 'Efectivo' is specifically the physical form of money—bills and coins—as opposed to digital payments, checks, or credit.

How do I say 'in effect' or 'in force' (like a rule)?

You would typically use the phrase 'en vigor' or 'en efecto' (using the related noun 'efecto'), not 'en efectivo,' which only means 'in cash.'