efectivo
/eh-fek-TEE-voh/
effective
The adjective efectivo means 'effective,' describing something that produces a successful result, like hitting the bullseye.
efectivo(Adjective)
effective
?producing a successful result
,actual
?real or existing
real
?truthful
📝 In Action
La nueva estrategia de ventas ha sido muy efectiva.
B1The new sales strategy has been very effective.
La cifra efectiva de asistentes fue de cien personas.
B2The actual figure of attendees was one hundred people.
Necesitamos una solución más efectiva para este problema.
B1We need a more effective solution for this problem.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'efectivo' must match the noun it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). For example: 'solución efectiva' (feminine singular) or 'resultados efectivos' (masculine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Adjective and Noun
Mistake: "Using 'el efectivo' to mean 'the effective one' when describing a feminine noun."
Correction: Always use 'efectiva' if the noun is feminine (e.g., 'la técnica efectiva'). The noun 'el efectivo' always means 'cash'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasizing Reality
When 'efectivo' means 'actual' or 'real,' it often emphasizes the difference between what was planned or assumed and what truly happened.
The noun efectivo refers to 'cash' or physical money, including bills and coins.
📝 In Action
¿Puedo pagar en efectivo o solo con tarjeta?
A2Can I pay in cash or only by card?
Siempre llevo algo de efectivo para emergencias.
A2I always carry some cash for emergencies.
El cajero automático me dio billetes pequeños en efectivo.
B1The ATM gave me small bills in cash.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
When used as a noun meaning 'cash,' 'efectivo' is always masculine singular ('el efectivo'), even though it refers to many bills and coins.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Efectivos' (Plural)
Mistake: "Saying 'Necesito unos efectivos' to mean 'I need some cash.'"
Correction: The noun 'efectivo' is usually uncountable, so use 'Necesito efectivo' or 'un poco de efectivo.' The plural 'efectivos' refers to personnel or troops (military/police), not money.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Preposition 'En'
When describing the method of payment, always use the preposition 'en': 'Pagar en efectivo' (to pay in cash).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: efectivo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'efectivo' as the noun meaning 'cash'?
📚 More Resources
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.'