Inklingo
← Dictionary

pesos

/peh-sohs/

pesos

A pile of golden coins and colorful banknotes on a plain surface.

In many countries, 'pesos' refers to the national currency used for buying things.

pesos(noun)

mA1

pesos

?

currency

Also:

money

?

informal general reference to cash

πŸ“ In Action

Tengo cincuenta pesos en mi cartera.

A1

I have fifty pesos in my wallet.

ΒΏAceptan pesos mexicanos aquΓ­?

A1

Do you accept Mexican pesos here?

Necesito cambiar mis dΓ³lares a pesos.

A2

I need to change my dollars to pesos.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • pesos argentinos – Argentine pesos
  • pesos colombianos – Colombian pesos
  • tipo de cambio – exchange rate

Idioms & Expressions

  • no tener ni un peso – to be completely broke

πŸ’‘ Grammar Points

Plural and Gender

'Pesos' is the plural of 'peso'. It is a masculine noun, so use 'los' or 'unos' and make sure adjectives match: 'muchos pesos'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Capitalization

Mistake: "Writing 'Pesos' with a capital P."

Correction: In Spanish, names of currencies are written in lowercase: 'pesos'.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Dollar Sign

In many countries that use pesos, the '$' symbol is used just like the US dollar. Don't be shocked by high prices; it's likely in pesos!

A pair of heavy black metal dumbbells sitting on a gym floor.

The word 'pesos' can also mean weights, such as those used for exercise or measuring mass.

pesos(noun)

mB1

weights

?

objects used to measure mass or heavy loads

Also:

burdens

?

figurative heavy responsibilities

πŸ“ In Action

Los pesos de la balanza deben ser exactos.

B1

The weights on the scale must be exact.

Siento el peso de mis decisiones.

B2

I feel the weight of my decisions (often used in singular, but plural implies multiple burdens).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • ligereza (lightness)

Common Collocations

  • pesos y medidas – weights and measures
  • levantar pesos – to lift weights (though 'pesas' is more common for gym use)

πŸ’‘ Grammar Points

Pesos vs. Pesas

Use 'pesos' for currency or physical mass in science/scales. Use 'pesas' (feminine) for dumbbells or gym equipment.

✏️ Quick Practice

πŸ’‘ Quick Quiz: pesos

Question 1 of 2

If you are in Mexico and want to buy a taco for $50, what are you spending?

πŸ“š More Resources

Word Family

peso(weight / one peso) - noun
pesar(to weigh) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries use the peso?

Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Philippines, and Uruguay all use currency named the peso.

Is 'pesos' ever a verb?

No. While the verb 'pesar' (to weigh) has forms like 'peso' (I weigh) and 'pesas' (you weigh), 'pesos' is only ever a plural noun.