Inklingo
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moneda

/moh-NEH-dah/

coin

A close-up of a single, shiny, golden circular coin resting on a flat surface.

A 'moneda' (coin) is a piece of physical money, typically made of metal.

moneda(noun)

fA1

coin

?

a piece of physical money

Also:

piece (of money)

?

informal reference to small change

📝 In Action

Perdí una moneda de un euro en el sofá.

A1

I lost a one-euro coin in the sofa.

¿Tienes una moneda para el carrito de la compra?

A2

Do you have a coin for the shopping cart?

El niño colecciona monedas antiguas.

B1

The boy collects old coins.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cobre (copper (used for small coins))
  • cambio (change (money back))

Common Collocations

  • echar una moneda – to toss a coin (or put a coin in a machine)
  • moneda suelta – loose change

Idioms & Expressions

  • cara o cruz – heads or tails (used when tossing a coin to decide)

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Since 'moneda' is a feminine word, remember to use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la moneda' (the coin), 'una moneda' (a coin).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Coin and Paper Money

Mistake: "Using 'moneda' for paper money."

Correction: Use 'billete' (bill/banknote) for paper money, and 'moneda' only for metal coins.

⭐ Usage Tips

Talking about Value

To specify the coin's value, use 'moneda de...' followed by the amount: 'moneda de cinco céntimos'.

A collection of different colorful banknotes neatly stacked next to a small pile of metallic coins, symbolizing a national currency system.

'Moneda' can also refer to the currency, which is the system of money used in a country.

moneda(noun)

fB1

currency

?

the system of money used in a country

Also:

legal tender

?

official payment method

📝 In Action

El euro es la moneda oficial de muchos países europeos.

B1

The euro is the official currency of many European countries.

La caída de la moneda local afectó las importaciones.

B2

The fall of the local currency affected imports.

Necesitas cambiar tu moneda antes de viajar.

A2

You need to exchange your currency before traveling.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • divisa (foreign currency)
  • dinero (money)

Common Collocations

  • moneda extranjera – foreign currency
  • moneda fuerte – strong currency

💡 Grammar Points

Referring to Exchange

When talking about converting money, use 'cambiar moneda' or 'cambio de moneda' (currency exchange).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Moneda' for 'Change'

Mistake: "Using 'moneda' when you mean the leftover money returned after a purchase."

Correction: For the money you get back, use 'el cambio' or 'las vueltas'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Economic Context

In financial discussions, 'moneda' almost always refers to the national or regional system (like the dollar, peso, or yen), not just one physical piece.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: moneda

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'moneda' in the sense of 'currency' (the system)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

monetario(monetary) - adjective
monetizar(to monetize) - verb
monedero(coin purse) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'moneda' masculine or feminine?

It is always feminine. You must say 'la moneda' or 'una moneda'.

How do I say 'change' (the money returned after a purchase)?

Use 'el cambio' or, in some regions, 'las vueltas'. 'Moneda' only means the specific metal pieces.