What is cash? Pronunciation and usage in English

cash means . Learn how to pronounce and use cash through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of cash

cashnoun

/kaʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of cash

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cash" in English! It's a tricky one because it’s often mispronounced.

Here's the breakdown:

  • Most Common (and Generally Correct) Pronunciation: “cash” – like the word “cash” in "cash register" or "cashmere." It’s a short, sharp sound: ˈkæʃ (stress on the first syllable). The "a" sound is similar to the "a" in "cat".

  • Older/Formal Pronunciation (less common now): “cāsh” – with a longer “a” sound, almost like “car.” This pronunciation is more common in British English, but is increasingly rare in American English.

Here's a helpful breakdown of the sounds:

  • ˈkæʃ:
    • ˈ: This indicates a primary stress (emphasis) on the first syllable.
    • k: As in “cat.”
    • æ: This is a short, front, unrounded vowel – it’s similar to the "a" in "cap" or “trap”. It's the key to getting it right.
    • ʃ: This is the “sh” sound, as in “ship” or "shoe."

Resources to help you hear it:

To make sure you get it right, try repeating the word slowly, focusing on that short "a" sound and the "sh" sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using “cash”?
  • Compare it to other similar-sounding words (like "cashier")?

Usage and examples with the word cash in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cash" in English. It's a pretty common word, but it has a specific meaning and usage!

1. Core Meaning: Physical Money

The primary meaning of "cash" is physical money – coins and banknotes (bills). It's different from digital money like credit cards or online transfers.

  • Example: "I only have a few cash in my wallet."
  • Example: "Can I pay with cash?"

2. Usage – Key Phrases & Situations

Here’s how “cash” is often used in phrases and situations:

  • "Take cash" / "Give cash": This means to receive or hand over physical money.

    • "Please take cash for the coffee."
    • "I'll give cash for the bus ticket."

  • "Cash only": This means a business doesn't accept credit cards or other forms of payment.

    • "Sorry, we only accept cash here." (Often seen on signs)

  • "Roll cash": To fold or roll up banknotes, often to protect them or make them easier to carry.

    • "He carefully rolled cash in his jacket pocket."

  • "Cash back": Money returned to you after a purchase, usually when you pay with a card and receive the difference in cash.

    • "I used my card, but I got cash back of $10."

  • "Cash in hand": A payment made immediately and in physical money – implying a quick and direct transaction.

    • "I'll pay you cash in hand for the work you did." (Often used in informal contexts or when discussing freelance work)

  • "Liquid cash": Referring to readily available money, often used in a financial context.

    • “He has a lot of liquid cash to invest.”

3. Distinguishing “Cash” from “Money”

  • “Money” is a broader term that refers to any form of value – coins, bills, digital currency, stocks, etc.
  • “Cash” specifically refers to physical money.

Example demonstrating the difference:

  • "I need money to buy a new car." (Could be from savings, a loan, etc.)
  • "I paid him cash for the car." (Specifically, he paid with coins and bills.)

4. Informal Usage

Sometimes, "cash" can be used more informally to mean simply “money” in general. It's less common, but you might hear it:

  • "I’m short on cash today." (Meaning “I’m short on money today.”)

Resources to Learn More:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more example sentences?
  • Explain the usage of "cash back" in more detail?
  • Practice using "cash" in a short quiz?

Synonyms for the word cash

Idioms of the word cash

cash down
with immediate payment of cash
  • to pay for something cash down
cash in hand
(British English, informal)if you pay for goods and services cash in hand, you pay in cash, especially so that the person being paid can avoid paying tax on the amount
  • a cash-in-hand payment of £20
cash on delivery
a system of paying for goods when they are delivered

    Practice with vocabulary cash

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. I prefer paying with __________ instead of using my credit card because it helps me manage my spending better.
    2. The store only accepts payments through digital wallets; they don’t take __________ at all.
    3. She decided to use her __________ to buy the concert tickets, but the website only accepted online payments.
    4. After withdrawing money from the ATM, he realized he had left his __________ in the machine.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which of the following is a physical form of payment?
      a) Credit card
      b) Cash
      c) Bank transfer
      d) PayPal

    2. What is the most direct way to pay for something without involving a bank?
      a) Check
      b) Cash
      c) Cryptocurrency
      d) Debit card

    3. Which term refers to money in the form of coins and bills?
      a) Assets
      b) Cash
      c) Funds
      d) Credit

    4. Which of these is NOT a method of payment?
      a) Barter
      b) Exchange
      c) Invoice
      d) Transfer

    5. What do you call money that is immediately available for spending?
      a) Savings
      b) Cash
      c) Loan
      d) Investment

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: She paid for the groceries using physical money.
      Rewrite: She paid for the groceries using __________.

    2. Original: The cafe prefers digital payments over paper money.
      Rewrite: The cafe prefers digital payments over __________.

    3. Original: He withdrew some money from the bank to buy a new phone.
      Rewrite: He used his __________ to buy a new phone.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. cash
    2. cash
    3. credit card
    4. wallet

    Exercise 2:

    1. b) Cash
    2. b) Cash
    3. b) Cash
    4. c) Invoice
    5. b) Cash

    Exercise 3:

    1. She paid for the groceries using cash.
    2. The cafe prefers digital payments over cash.
    3. He used his savings to buy a new phone.

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