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"Gratis" is an adjective which is often translated as "free", and "a plazos" is a phrase which is often translated as "in installments". Learn more about the difference between "gratis" and "a plazos" below.
gratis(
grah
-
tees
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. free
Nos dieron un cupón para un desayuno gratis.They gave us a voucher for a free breakfast.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. free
Conseguimos entrar gratis.We managed to get in free.
b. for free
Puedes probarlo gratis.You can try it for free.
a. for nothing
Puedes estar seguro de que yo gratis no trabajo.You can be sure I don't work for nothing.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
a plazos(
ah
 
plah
-
sohs
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. in installments (to pay)
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
Si no te queda suficiente dinero, siempre puedes pagar los muebles a plazos.If you don't have enough money left, you can always pay for the furniture in installments.
b. in instalments (to pay)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
Se puede elegir entre pagar a plazos mensuales o trimestrales.You can choose between paying in monthly or quarterly instalments.
c. on hire purchase (to buy)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
No me gusta comprar las cosas a plazos, prefiero pagarlas al contado.I don't like buying things on hire purchase. I'd rather pay cash for them.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.