metálico
“metálico” means “metallic” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
metallic, metal
Also: tinny
📝 In Action
La caja es de un material metálico muy resistente.
A2The box is made of a very resistant metallic material.
La voz del robot sonaba fría y metálica.
B1The robot's voice sounded cold and metallic.
El coche tiene un acabado metálico que brilla al sol.
B2The car has a metallic finish that shines in the sun.
cash
Also: hard cash
📝 In Action
¿Puedo pagar en metálico?
A2Can I pay in cash?
El cajero no tiene suficiente metálico para el cambio.
B1The cashier doesn't have enough cash for change.
Prefieren el pago en metálico para evitar comisiones.
B2They prefer payment in cash to avoid commissions.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: metálico
Question 1 of 3
If you are at a store and want to pay with physical bills, which phrase should you use?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'metallicus', which refers to anything related to mines or metal.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'metálico' only for coins?
No, even though it originally comes from the word for metal (coins), today it refers to all physical money, including paper bills.
Can I say 'dinero metálico'?
Yes, but it's much more common to simply say 'en metálico' when talking about how you are paying.
Is 'metálico' formal?
It is neutral. You can use it at a local fruit stand or in a professional business contract.