pavos
/PAH-vohs/
turkeys
The word "pavos" means turkeys, referring to these large birds.
📝 In Action
Compramos dos pavos para la cena de Acción de Gracias.
A2We bought two turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner.
Los pavos se asustaron con el ruido y salieron corriendo.
B1The turkeys got scared by the noise and ran away.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Rule
Since the singular word 'pavo' ends in a vowel ('o'), you simply add '-s' to make it plural: pavo → pavos.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
In Latin America, 'pavo' almost exclusively refers to the bird. If you hear 'pavos' used differently, you are likely in Spain.
In Spain, "pavos" is slang for money or cash.
pavos(noun)
money
?currency, cash (Spain slang)
euros
?referring to a specific amount of currency
,bucks
?slang for dollars/currency
📝 In Action
¿Cuánto cuesta eso? Creo que son unos 50 pavos.
B2How much does that cost? I think it's about 50 bucks/euros.
Me debes cien pavos de la cena de anoche.
C1You owe me a hundred bucks from last night's dinner.
💡 Grammar Points
Counting Currency
When used for money, 'pavos' is always plural, even when referring to a single unit (e.g., 'un pavo' for one euro is technically possible but less common than using the plural for amounts).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Use in Formal Settings
Mistake: "Using 'pavos' when talking to a banker or in a business meeting."
Correction: Use 'euros' or 'dinero' instead. 'Pavo' is too casual or slangy for formal talk.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Alert (Spain)
This slang meaning is almost exclusive to Spain. Using it in Latin America will likely confuse people, who will think you are talking about turkeys.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pavos
Question 1 of 2
If someone in Madrid says, 'Me costó 20 pavos,' what are they most likely talking about?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pavos' used for money in all Spanish-speaking countries?
No. The slang meaning of 'pavos' for money or euros is highly specific to Spain. If you use it in Mexico, Colombia, or Argentina, people will only understand the literal meaning: turkeys.
How do I know if 'pavos' means birds or money?
Look at the context and location. If the sentence involves buying, spending, or owing, and you are in Spain, it means money. If the sentence involves a farm, food, or animals, it means turkeys.