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"En efectivo" is a phrase which is often translated as "in cash", and "al contado" is a phrase which is often translated as "cash". Learn more about the difference between "en efectivo" and "al contado" below.
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. in cash
¿Cómo quieres que te pague? - En efectivo, por favor.How do you want me to pay you? - In cash, please.
b. cash
Tuve que pagar en efectivo porque me olvidé la tarjeta.I had to pay cash because I forgot my card.
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al contado(
ahl
 
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A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. cash
No aceptamos cheques ni tarjetas de crédito. Tendrá que pagarlo al contado.We don't take checks or credit cards. You'll have to pay cash for it.
b. in cash
Sacó un fajo de billetes del bolso y pagó el coche al contado.She took a wad of bills from her bag and paid for the car in cash.
a. cash
Los pagos al contado tienen un descuento del 5%.Cash payments get a 5% discount.
Yo siempre prefiero pagar al contado y olvidarme.I always prefer to pay cash and then forget about it.
b. cash down
¿Compraron el televisor a plazos o al contado?Did you buy your TV in installments or cash down?
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