francos
/frán-kos/
frank
Being francos (frank) means being sincere and open.
📝 In Action
Fueron muy francos al criticar la propuesta del jefe.
B1They were very frank in criticizing the boss's proposal.
Necesitamos comentarios francos para poder mejorar el servicio.
B2We need honest feedback so we can improve the service.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'francos' ends in '-os', it is describing two or more masculine things or people. If you were talking about one man, you would use 'franco', and for women, 'franca' or 'francas'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Check
Using 'francos' often implies a directness that might be refreshing or, depending on the context, slightly rude. Use it when honesty is valued over politeness.
When you are francos (free), you are exempt from duty or work.
francos(adjective)
free
?exempt from duty or work
,off
?referring to days off
exempt
?not subject to a charge
📝 In Action
Los fines de semana son días francos para la mayoría de los empleados.
B2Weekends are free days (days off) for most employees.
Estos productos están francos de impuestos.
C1These products are exempt from taxes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Specific Context
This meaning of 'francos' is usually applied to objects or time periods (like days or hours), not people. To say people are free, use 'libres'.
Francos refers to the currency formerly used in France and Belgium, and still used in Switzerland.
📝 In Action
Necesitas cambiar tu dinero a francos suizos antes de cruzar la frontera.
A2You need to change your money to Swiss francs before crossing the border.
El precio de la entrada es de cincuenta francos.
B1The price of the ticket is fifty francs.
⭐ Usage Tips
Capitalization
Unlike in English, Spanish typically does not capitalize currency names, so always write 'francos' with a lowercase 'f'.
Los francos (the Franks) were a historical Germanic people who established a powerful kingdom in Western Europe.
📝 In Action
Los francos se establecieron en lo que hoy es Francia y Alemania.
C1The Franks settled in what is now France and Germany.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: francos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'francos' to mean 'money'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'francos' means 'honest' or 'currency'?
Look at the words around it. If it follows a number ('cien francos') or is used with money-related verbs ('cambiar a francos'), it's the currency. If it follows the verb 'ser' (to be) or describes communication ('comentarios francos'), it means honest or frank.
Can I use 'francos' to mean 'free' like 'free to go'?
No, not usually for people. When referring to people being free to do something, use 'libres'. 'Francos' is reserved for things that are free from obligation, like a tax exemption or a day off work.