Inklingo

How to Say "kitty" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vaca

/BAH-kah//ˈbaka/

nounB2informal
Use 'vaca' when a group of people are pooling money together to buy something specific, like a gift or a shared item.
Multiple hands, representing different people, dropping shiny gold coins into a large, half-full glass jar, symbolizing a shared money collection.

Examples

Vamos a hacer una vaca para comprarle un regalo a Carlos.

We are going to start a collection (a kitty) to buy Carlos a gift.

Si todos ponemos diez euros, completamos la vaca para la cena.

If we all put in ten euros, we complete the pot for dinner.

Using 'Hacer'

The most common way to use this meaning is with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer una vaca' means 'to organize a collection'.

bote

BOH-tay/ˈbo.te/

nounC1
Use 'bote' to refer to a general fund or jackpot, especially in contexts like lotteries or larger, less personal pooled money.
An enormous, overflowing pile of shiny gold coins and stacks of crisp paper currency resting on a simple green felt table.

Examples

El bote de la lotería de esta semana es de diez millones de euros.

This week's lottery jackpot is ten million euros.

Si nadie gana, el bote se acumula para el próximo sorteo.

If no one wins, the prize fund rolls over to the next drawing.

Figurative Meaning

This meaning extends the concept of 'bote' (container) to mean a metaphorical container holding money.

Vaca vs. Bote

The most common mistake is using 'bote' for informal group gifts. Remember that 'vaca' is specifically for when friends or colleagues chip in for a shared item or event. 'Bote' is more for larger, sometimes impersonal, pooled sums like a lottery prize.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.