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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).
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. for nothing
Puedes estar seguro de que yo gratis no trabajo.You can be sure I don't work for nothing.
a plazos(
ah
plah
-
sohs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. in installments (to pay) (United States)
Regionalism used in the 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) (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the 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) (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the 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.