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"Contado" is a form of "contado", an adjective which is often translated as "rare". "Efectivo" is an adjective which is often translated as "effective". Learn more about the difference between "efectivo" and "contado" below.
efectivo, el efectivo(
eh
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fehk
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tee
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boh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. effective
La vacuna tarda unos días en ser efectiva.The vaccine takes a few days to become effective.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
los efectivos
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
4. (military)
a. forces
El país aumentó el número de efectivos militares en la zona.The country increased the number of military forces in the area.
contado(
kohn
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tah
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doh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (infrequent)
a. rare
Son contados los casos que han presentado efectos secundarios.Cases that have shown side effects are rare.
2. (restricted)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. installment (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Hoy pagué el último contado del auto.I paid the last installment of the car today.
b. instalment (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Me permitió pagarle en dos contados.He let me pay him back in two instalments.
