Coins, Notes, and Wallets
| English | Meaning / Example |
|---|---|
| coin | a metal piece of money — Do you have a coin for the vending machine? |
| note (UK) / bill (US) | a paper piece of money — I paid with a £20 note. |
| wallet | a flat case for notes and cards — He keeps his wallet in his pocket. |
| purse | a small bag for coins and cards, usually carried by women — She found the coin at the bottom of her purse. |
| cash | physical money (notes and coins) — Do you accept cash? |
| card | a bank card used for payments — Can I pay by card? |
| credit card | a card that lets you borrow money to pay — She paid with a credit card. |
| debit card | a card linked directly to your bank account — I prefer to use a debit card. |
Tip British and American English use different words for paper money: in the UK it is called a note (e.g. a five-pound note); in the US it is called a bill (e.g. a five-dollar bill). Similarly, purse in British English is a small coin pouch, while in American English it can mean a handbag.
Banking and Spending
| English | Meaning / Example |
|---|---|
| bank | an institution that keeps and lends money — I need to go to the bank. |
| account | a record of your money at a bank — Open a savings account. |
| pay | to give money for something — How would you like to pay? |
| spend | to use money to buy things — Don't spend all your pocket money at once. |
| save | to keep money for later — I'm saving up for a new bike. |
| earn | to receive money for work — She earns £10 an hour. |
| borrow | to take money temporarily and repay it — Can I borrow £5? |
| lend | to give money temporarily to someone — I'll lend you the money. |
| afford | to have enough money for something — I can't afford those trainers. |
| budget | a plan for how to spend money — Stick to your budget. |
Prices and Shopping
| English | Meaning / Example |
|---|---|
| cost | the amount of money something requires — How much does it cost? |
| price | the amount asked for a product — The price tag says £12. |
| cheap | low in price — This shop is very cheap. |
| expensive | high in price — That jacket is too expensive. |
| receipt | a printed proof of payment — Keep your receipt in case you want to return it. |
| change | money returned when you pay more than the price — Here is your change — £3.50. |
Real world: At the shop
"Excuse me, how much does this cost?" "It's £8.99. Would you like to pay by card or cash?" "I'll pay cash. Here's a £10 note." "Thank you — here is your receipt and your change, £1.01."
Practice Problems
What is the American English word for a paper note of money?
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bill
What is the difference between 'borrow' and 'lend'?
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'Borrow' means to take something temporarily; 'lend' means to give it temporarily. You borrow FROM someone; you lend TO someone.
What do you call money returned when you pay more than the price?
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change
Complete the sentence: 'I can't ___ those trainers — they're too expensive.'
Show answer
afford