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"Gratis" is an adjective which is often translated as "free", and "al contado" is a phrase which is often translated as "cash". Learn more about the difference between "gratis" and "al contado" below.
gratis(
grah
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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.
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al contado(
ahl
 
kohn
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tah
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doh
)
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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