Inklingo

How to Say "buck" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dólar

nounA1informal
Use 'dólar' when referring to the US currency, specifically the dollar bill or coin.

Examples

Este billete de diez dólares es falso.

This ten-dollar bill is fake.

macho

MAH-chohˈmatʃo

nounA2
Use 'macho' when referring to the male of certain animal species, such as a male deer or rabbit.
A proud, colorful rooster standing prominently in a green field.

Examples

El ciervo macho se defendió del depredador.

The male deer defended itself from the predator.

El león macho está a cargo de proteger la manada.

The male lion is in charge of protecting the pride.

Solo los árboles machos producen polen.

Only the male trees produce pollen.

mango

mahn-gohˈmaŋɡo

nounC1informal
Use 'mango' as a slang term for money, similar to 'buck' in informal English when referring to an unspecified amount of cash.
A stack of golden coins on a table.

Examples

No tengo ni un mango para el autobús.

I don't have a single cent for the bus.

Ese teléfono me costó cincuenta mangos.

That phone cost me fifty bucks.

Laburo todo el día para ganar unos mangos.

I work all day to earn a few bucks.

Plural Usage

In this slang sense, it is very common to use the plural 'mangos' to count money, similar to how 'bucks' is used in English.

Context is Key

Mistake: “Using this in a formal business meeting.”

Correction: Use 'dinero' or the specific currency (pesos, euros). 'Mango' is very informal and could sound unprofessional.

Money vs. Animal

Learners often confuse 'dólar' and 'mango' because both can refer to money. Remember that 'dólar' is specific to US currency, while 'mango' is general slang for cash. Do not use 'macho' for money; it strictly means a male animal.

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