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cajero automático

A2 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

cajero automático

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips cajero automático in 30 Seconds

Explanation cajero automático in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn the most basic and essential words for survival in a Spanish-speaking country. Cajero automático is one of those words. You don't need to know the complex history of banking, but you do need to know how to find one. At this stage, focus on the phrase as a single unit. It is a 'machine for money.' You will use it with very simple verbs like 'hay' (there is) and 'estar' (to be). For example, '¿Dónde está el cajero automático?' is a perfect A1 sentence. You might also learn 'necesito' (I need) and 'dinero' (money). Combining these allows you to communicate your basic needs effectively. Don't worry about the plural form yet; just focus on finding 'el cajero.' You should also recognize the word on signs outside banks. It is often accompanied by logos of credit card companies like Visa or Mastercard. This helps you identify the machine even if you are still learning the sounds of the Spanish language. At A1, the goal is successful identification and simple inquiry. You are building the foundation of your Spanish vocabulary, and this term is a vital brick in that wall.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of cajero automático into more complete sentences. You can now describe what you are doing. Instead of just asking where it is, you can say 'Voy al cajero automático para sacar cien euros.' Here, you are using the preposition 'al' and the purpose 'para' followed by an infinitive 'sacar.' You also start to learn related vocabulary like 'tarjeta' (card) and 'pin' (code). At A2, you can handle simple problems, such as telling a friend that the machine is not working: 'El cajero automático no funciona.' You are also becoming more aware of the gender and number of the noun, correctly using 'los cajeros automáticos' when referring to multiple machines. This level is about basic interaction and the ability to perform routine tasks. You might also learn the word 'comisión' (fee), which is very practical when choosing which cajero automático to use. Your sentences are becoming more structured, and you are starting to use the past tense: 'Ayer fui al cajero automático.' This shows a significant jump from the A1 'where is' questions.

At the B1 level, you can use cajero automático in more nuanced conversations. You can discuss your preferences and give advice to others. For instance, you might explain why you prefer one bank's cajero automático over another due to the interface or the lack of fees. You can use conditional sentences: 'Si el cajero automático me cobrara menos, lo usaría más a menudo.' You are also comfortable with more technical banking terms like 'ingresar' (to deposit), 'transferencia' (transfer), and 'saldo' (balance). At B1, you can describe a sequence of events, such as a problem you had: 'Introduje mi tarjeta en el cajero automático, pero la pantalla se quedó en blanco.' This requires a mix of preterite and imperfect tenses. You also understand cultural nuances, such as the fact that in Spain, many cajeros automáticos are located inside small glass booths for safety and privacy. Your vocabulary is rich enough to talk about the convenience of these machines in modern life.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the cajero automático in the context of broader social and economic issues. You might talk about the 'brecha digital' (digital divide) and how the disappearance of physical bank branches makes the cajero automático the only point of contact for many elderly people. You can use more sophisticated grammar, including the subjunctive to express opinions or doubts: 'Dudo que ese cajero automático acepte billetes tan grandes.' You are also familiar with security concerns like 'skimming' or 'clonación de tarjetas' and can warn others using complex structures: 'Es fundamental que te asegures de que no haya ningún dispositivo extraño en el cajero automático antes de usarlo.' Your level of fluency allows you to read news articles about banking technology and summarize them using the term cajero automático naturally. You can also participate in debates about the future of cash and whether the cajero automático will eventually become obsolete.

At the C1 level, your command of cajero automático is near-native. You understand its role in the logistical infrastructure of a country. You can use the term in academic or professional discussions about 'fintech' and the automation of services. Your vocabulary includes precise terms like 'dispensación de efectivo,' 'interfaz de usuario,' and 'protocolos de seguridad encriptados.' You can write detailed reports or essays where the cajero automático is a case study for the evolution of the service sector. You also pick up on very subtle linguistic variations and can switch registers easily. For example, you might use 'cajero automático' in a formal complaint to a bank but 'el cajero' when chatting with a neighbor. You understand metaphors related to money and machines. You can also navigate complex legal terms of service regarding the use of these machines. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a concept you can manipulate within the larger framework of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture.

At the C2 level, you possess a mastery of the term cajero automático that allows for philosophical and highly technical discourse. You can analyze the socio-economic impact of cajeros automáticos on urban planning and rural depopulation. You can discuss the history of the first 'cajero automático' in Spain (installed by Banco Popular in 1974) and its role in the country's modernization. Your language is precise, using terms like 'omnipresencia,' 'obsolescencia programada,' and 'deshumanización de los servicios financieros.' You can interpret and produce complex texts where the cajero automático is mentioned in literary or journalistic contexts as a symbol of the modern, fast-paced world. You understand the most obscure regionalisms and technical jargon associated with the maintenance and networking of these machines. For a C2 learner, the cajero automático is not just a place to get money; it is a node in a global network of capital, technology, and human interaction that you can describe with absolute precision and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

cajero automático in 30 Seconds

A 'cajero automático' is an ATM used for cash withdrawals and banking.
It is a masculine noun always used with the definite article 'el'.
Common verbs include 'sacar' (to withdraw) and 'ingresar' (to deposit).
Essential vocabulary for any traveler or resident in a Spanish-speaking country.

The term cajero automático is a compound noun in Spanish that literally translates to 'automatic cashier.' In a linguistic sense, it perfectly encapsulates the transition from human-mediated banking to the era of self-service technology. A cajero automático is an electronic telecommunications device that enables customers of financial institutions to perform financial transactions, such as cash withdrawals, deposits, transfer of funds, or obtaining account information, at any time and without the need for direct interaction with bank staff.

Etymological Root: The word 'cajero' comes from 'caja' (box/safe), referring to the person who handles the money box. Adding 'automático' describes the mechanical nature of the modern machine.

Historically, before the 1970s, banking was strictly limited to office hours. The introduction of the cajero automático revolutionized the concept of liquidity, allowing individuals to access their 'efectivo' (cash) twenty-four hours a day. In Spanish-speaking countries, you will find these machines everywhere from bustling metropolitan centers like Madrid and Mexico City to small rural 'pueblos.'

El cajero automático de la esquina no acepta tarjetas internacionales hoy.

People use this word whenever they need to find a place to withdraw money, check their balance, or even pay certain utilities in some regions. It is a vital part of travel vocabulary, as finding a cajero automático is often the first priority after landing in a new country. The machine itself consists of a screen, a keypad, a card reader, and a cash dispenser. In modern contexts, many cajeros automáticos now feature touchscreens and contactless (NFC) readers. Understanding this term is crucial because it bridges the gap between traditional banking and the digital economy.

Social Context: In Spain, the network of cajeros is very dense, whereas in some parts of Latin America, users might seek specifically a 'cajero de red' (network ATM) to avoid high fees.

¿Sabes si hay un cajero automático que no cobre comisión cerca de aquí?

Furthermore, the term is used in technical manuals, bank statements, and street signage. When you see a sign with a large 'C' or a bank logo, it usually points toward a cajero automático. In summary, the cajero automático is the physical manifestation of your bank account in the public square, a silent, tireless servant of the financial system that operates regardless of holidays or siestas. Its presence ensures that the economy remains fluid and that individuals have immediate agency over their 'ahorros' (savings). Without the cajero automático, the modern pace of life would be significantly hindered by the logistical constraints of physical bank branches and their limited operating hours.

Using cajero automático in a sentence requires an understanding of common banking verbs. The most frequent verb paired with this noun is 'sacar' (to take out) or 'retirar' (to withdraw). For example, 'Voy al cajero automático para sacar dinero.' This is the most natural way to express the intention of getting cash.

Verb Collocation: Sacar vs. Retirar: 'Sacar' is more common in everyday, informal speech, while 'retirar' is slightly more formal and often used in bank documentation or by bank employees.

Another important verb is 'ingresar' (to deposit). While many people associate the cajero automático only with withdrawals, modern machines allow for deposits: 'Tengo que ingresar este cheque en el cajero automático.'

El cajero automático me ha tragado la tarjeta.

This sentence illustrates a common (and stressful) situation where the machine 'swallows' the card. Note the use of the verb 'tragar' (to swallow). When asking for directions, you might say, '¿Hay un cajero automático por aquí cerca?' This is a standard A2-level sentence that every traveler should know.

Prepositions: Use 'en el' to indicate location (at/in the ATM) and 'al' to indicate movement toward it (to the ATM).

Me quedé sin efectivo, así que tuve que buscar un cajero automático urgentemente.

In more complex sentences, you might discuss the security of the cajero automático: 'Es importante tapar el teclado del cajero automático cuando introduces tu número secreto.' Here, 'tapar' means to cover. You can also use the word in the plural: 'Los cajeros automáticos de esta ciudad suelen estar dentro de cabinas acristaladas por seguridad.' This refers to the glass booths often found in Spain.

He intentado usar tres cajeros automáticos diferentes y ninguno tiene billetes de veinte.

Finally, consider the context of fees: 'Este cajero automático cobra una comisión de cinco euros por cada retirada.' This sentence is vital for budget-conscious learners. By mastering these patterns, you can navigate any banking situation in the Spanish-speaking world with confidence and linguistic accuracy.

The phrase cajero automático is ubiquitous across the Spanish-speaking world, though its frequency and context can vary by region. In Spain, it is the standard, formal term used in all banks (like Santander, BBVA, or CaixaBank). You will hear it in television commercials, read it on street signs, and see it in banking apps.

Regional Variations: While 'cajero automático' is universally understood, in some parts of Mexico and Central America, people might just say 'el cajero.' In Argentina and Uruguay, the term is strictly used, but the pronunciation of 'cajero' will have that distinct 'sh' sound for the 'j'.

You will hear this word most frequently in urban environments. In a city like Buenos Aires, people might ask, '¿Che, dónde hay un cajero automático de la red Link?'

Escuché en las noticias que van a instalar un nuevo cajero automático en el centro comercial.

Another common place to hear it is in travel hubs. Airport announcements or tourist information kiosks will frequently use the term to help travelers find currency. In a more social context, friends might use it when splitting a bill: 'No tengo dinero, espérame un segundo que voy al cajero automático.'

El vigilante de seguridad está parado justo al lado del cajero automático.

You will also encounter it in security warnings. Banks often send emails or SMS messages saying, 'Nunca comparta su clave del cajero automático con extraños.'

Digital Context: On banking websites, you will see a 'Localizador de cajeros automáticos' (ATM locator) to help you find the nearest branch.

¿Podemos pasar por un cajero automático antes de ir al restaurante? Solo aceptan efectivo.

In rural areas, the cajero automático is a vital piece of infrastructure, and its presence or absence is a frequent topic of local conversation. 'El pueblo se ha quedado sin cajero automático desde que cerró la oficina.' Thus, from the high-stakes world of finance to the mundane tasks of a Saturday morning, the term is deeply embedded in the daily linguistic landscape of Spanish speakers worldwide.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when referring to a cajero automático is trying to use an acronym like 'ATM.' While 'ATM' is universally recognized in English, it is not used in Spanish. Saying '¿Dónde está el ATM?' might be understood in very touristy areas, but it sounds completely foreign. Always use the full phrase or just 'el cajero.'

Mistake: Literal Translation: Avoid saying 'máquina de dinero' (money machine). Although it makes sense, it's not the correct term and sounds like a child speaking.

Another common error involves the gender of the noun. It is 'el cajero,' masculine, because it refers to the person (cajero) or the machine acting as a person. Some students mistakenly say 'la cajera automática,' which would imply a female automatic cashier, which is grammatically possible but never used for the machine.

Incorrecto: Voy a la cajera automática.
Correcto: Voy al cajero automático.

Confusing 'cajero' with 'caja' is also frequent. 'La caja' is the physical box or the checkout counter in a supermarket. If you say you are going to the 'caja automática,' people will think you are going to the self-checkout at a grocery store, not to get money from a bank machine.

Confusion with 'Cajero' (Person): If you are inside a bank and say 'Quiero hablar con el cajero,' you are asking for the human teller. If you want the machine, specify 'automático' or look for it outside.

Error común: El cajero automático no me dio mi 'recibo'.
Nota: While 'recibo' is okay, 'comprobante' or 'justificante' is more common in a banking context.

Students also struggle with the verbs. Don't say 'tomar dinero' (to take money) from a cajero automático; use 'sacar' or 'retirar.' 'Tomar' sounds like you are literally picking up money that was lying there. Finally, watch out for the spelling of 'automático.' It requires a written accent on the second 'a.' Omitting the 'tilde' is a common orthographic mistake.

Recuerda: El acento en automático es obligatorio porque es una palabra esdrújula.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid confusion during your financial transactions.

While cajero automático is the standard term, there are several related words and alternatives depending on the specific function or region. Understanding these can help you navigate more complex banking environments.

Cajero vs. Ventanilla: A 'cajero automático' is the machine. 'La ventanilla' (the window) is where you talk to a human teller inside the bank. 'Hacer cola en la ventanilla' means waiting in line for a person.

In some contexts, you might hear 'terminal bancario.' This is a more technical term that can refer to the ATM but also to the small machines used in shops to pay by card (EFTPOS terminals). However, in everyday speech, people stick to cajero automático.

Si el cajero automático no funciona, tendré que entrar y usar la ventanilla.

Another alternative, though less common for ATMs, is 'dispensador de efectivo.' This is a literal description of what the machine does (cash dispenser). You might see this in more formal financial reports.

Cajero vs. Datáfono: Do not confuse 'cajero automático' with 'datáfono.' A 'datáfono' is the handheld device a waiter brings to your table so you can pay with your card.

No busques un cajero automático; este bar tiene datáfono y podemos pagar con tarjeta.

If you are looking for a machine that specifically handles coins or changes large bills, you might look for a 'máquina de cambio,' but for general banking, cajero automático remains the gold standard. Finally, consider the term 'banca electrónica' or 'banca online.' While the cajero automático is a physical point of access, 'banca online' is the service you use on your phone or computer. They are related but distinct parts of the modern banking ecosystem. Knowing these differences ensures you can accurately describe what you need, whether it is cash in hand or a digital transfer.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The first ATM in the world was installed in London in 1967, but the term 'cajero automático' didn't become common in Spain until the mid-70s.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kaˈxeɾo awtoˈmatiko/

US /kɑˈheroʊ ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkoʊ/

Stress is on the 'e' in 'cajero' and on the 'ma' in 'automático' (indicated by the accent mark).

Rhymes With

dinero (for cajero) velero (for cajero) estático (for automático) informático (for automático)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'j' as 'j' in 'jam' instead of a raspy 'h'.
Forgetting the accent on 'automático'.
Pronouncing 'au' as two separate syllables instead of a diphthong.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to 'automático'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the accent mark and the 'j'.

Speaking 3/5

The 'j' sound and the length of the phrase can be tricky.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound in banking contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

banco dinero tarjeta sacar donde

Learn Next

comisión saldo cuenta ahorros transferencia

Advanced

sucursal entidad financiera clonación biometría divisas

Grammar to Know

Contraction 'al'

Voy al (a + el) cajero automático.

Placement of adjectives

Cajero (noun) + automático (adjective).

Accent marks (Esdrújulas)

Au-to-má-ti-co (stressed on the third to last syllable).

Gender agreement

El cajero automático (masculine).

Use of 'para' + infinitive

Uso el cajero para sacar dinero.

Examples by Level

¿Dónde está el cajero automático?

Where is the ATM?

Simple question with 'dónde está'.

Necesito un cajero automático.

I need an ATM.

Verb 'necesitar' in present tense.

El cajero automático es azul.

The ATM is blue.

Using 'ser' for permanent characteristics.

Aquí hay un cajero automático.

There is an ATM here.

Use of 'hay' for existence.

¿El cajero automático tiene dinero?

Does the ATM have money?

Simple question with 'tener'.

Busco un cajero automático.

I am looking for an ATM.

Verb 'buscar' (to look for).

El cajero automático está en el banco.

The ATM is in the bank.

Using 'estar' for location.

Mi tarjeta está en el cajero automático.

My card is in the ATM.

Possessive 'mi' and location.

Voy al cajero automático para sacar dinero.

I'm going to the ATM to withdraw money.

Contraction 'al' (a + el) and 'para + infinitive'.

Este cajero automático no funciona.

This ATM doesn't work.

Demonstrative 'este' and negation.

¿Puedes ver el cajero automático desde aquí?

Can you see the ATM from here?

Verb 'poder' + infinitive.

El cajero automático me dio billetes de diez.

The ATM gave me ten-euro bills.

Preterite tense of 'dar'.

No pongas tu pin en el cajero automático si hay gente.

Don't put your PIN in the ATM if there are people.

Negative imperative.

Ayer busqué un cajero automático por una hora.

Yesterday I looked for an ATM for an hour.

Preterite tense of 'buscar'.

Mi madre está usando el cajero automático.

My mother is using the ATM.

Present progressive 'está usando'.

¿Hay cajeros automáticos en este centro comercial?

Are there ATMs in this mall?

Plural noun with 'hay'.

Siempre uso el mismo cajero automático porque es más seguro.

I always use the same ATM because it's safer.

Adverb 'siempre' and comparative 'más seguro'.

Si el cajero automático no tiene efectivo, iremos al otro banco.

If the ATM has no cash, we will go to the other bank.

First conditional (Si + present, future).

Me di cuenta de que el cajero automático cobraba una comisión alta.

I realized that the ATM was charging a high fee.

'Darse cuenta de' and imperfect tense.

He tenido problemas con el cajero automático esta mañana.

I have had problems with the ATM this morning.

Present perfect 'he tenido'.

Espero que el cajero automático acepte mi tarjeta extranjera.

I hope the ATM accepts my foreign card.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

Antes de ir al cine, pasaremos por el cajero automático.

Before going to the cinema, we will stop by the ATM.

'Pasar por' (to stop by).

El cajero automático está fuera de servicio por mantenimiento.

The ATM is out of service for maintenance.

Passive state with 'estar'.

¿Sabe usted si este cajero automático permite ingresar billetes?

Do you know if this ATM allows depositing bills?

Formal 'usted' and 'si' as 'if/whether'.

Asegúrate de que nadie te vigile mientras usas el cajero automático.

Make sure no one is watching you while you use the ATM.

Imperative + 'que' + subjunctive.

La proliferación de cajeros automáticos ha reducido las colas en los bancos.

The proliferation of ATMs has reduced the queues in banks.

Present perfect for recent trends.

A pesar de ser un cajero automático moderno, la interfaz es muy lenta.

Despite being a modern ATM, the interface is very slow.

'A pesar de' + infinitive.

Me han dicho que han clonado tarjetas en ese cajero automático.

I've been told that they have cloned cards at that ATM.

Passive 'se' or third person plural for rumors.

Es poco probable que encuentres un cajero automático en este pueblo tan pequeño.

It is unlikely that you will find an ATM in this small village.

'Es poco probable que' + subjunctive.

El cajero automático se tragó mi tarjeta sin darme ninguna explicación.

The ATM swallowed my card without giving me any explanation.

Pronominal verb 'tragarse'.

Había una fila enorme frente al cajero automático debido al día de cobro.

There was a huge line in front of the ATM because of payday.

'Debido al' (due to).

No deberías sacar tanto dinero de un cajero automático por la noche.

You shouldn't take out so much money from an ATM at night.

Conditional 'deberías' for advice.

La entidad bancaria ha decidido retirar el cajero automático por falta de rentabilidad.

The bank has decided to remove the ATM due to lack of profitability.

Formal noun 'entidad bancaria'.

Es imperativo que el cajero automático cuente con medidas de seguridad biométricas.

It is imperative that the ATM has biometric security measures.

'Es imperativo que' + subjunctive.

A menudo, los cajeros automáticos son el único vínculo financiero en zonas rurales.

Often, ATMs are the only financial link in rural areas.

Abstract noun 'vínculo'.

El mantenimiento técnico de los cajeros automáticos requiere una logística compleja.

Technical maintenance of ATMs requires complex logistics.

Subject-verb agreement with complex subjects.

Se han reportado fallos sistémicos en la red de cajeros automáticos a nivel nacional.

Systemic failures have been reported in the ATM network nationwide.

Passive 'se' with plural subject.

Cualquier anomalía en el cajero automático debe ser notificada de inmediato.

Any anomaly in the ATM must be reported immediately.

Passive voice 'debe ser notificada'.

La interfaz del cajero automático ha sido rediseñada para ser más intuitiva.

The ATM interface has been redesigned to be more intuitive.

Past participle as adjective.

A pesar de la digitalización, el cajero automático sigue siendo fundamental para muchos.

Despite digitalization, the ATM remains fundamental for many.

'Seguir siendo' (to continue being).

La obsolescencia de los cajeros automáticos tradicionales frente al auge de los pagos móviles es evidente.

The obsolescence of traditional ATMs in the face of the rise of mobile payments is evident.

Complex noun phrases.

La red de cajeros automáticos constituye la columna vertebral del acceso al efectivo en la eurozona.

The ATM network constitutes the backbone of access to cash in the eurozone.

Formal verb 'constituir'.

Resulta paradójico que, en plena era digital, la demanda de cajeros automáticos persista en ciertos sectores.

It is paradoxical that, in the middle of the digital age, the demand for ATMs persists in certain sectors.

'Resulta paradójico que' + subjunctive.

La vulnerabilidad de los cajeros automáticos ante ataques cibernéticos es una preocupación constante.

The vulnerability of ATMs to cyber attacks is a constant concern.

Prepositional phrase 'ante'.

El despliegue de cajeros automáticos en zonas de exclusión financiera es una medida de responsabilidad social.

The deployment of ATMs in areas of financial exclusion is a measure of social responsibility.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'despliegue', 'exclusión'.

La ergonomía del cajero automático debe contemplar las necesidades de las personas con discapacidad.

The ergonomics of the ATM must consider the needs of people with disabilities.

Formal verb 'contemplar'.

Se debate si el cajero automático sobrevivirá a la inminente desaparición del dinero físico.

It is debated whether the ATM will survive the imminent disappearance of physical money.

Impersonal 'se' debate.

La convergencia tecnológica permite que el cajero automático actúe como una sucursal en miniatura.

Technological convergence allows the ATM to act as a miniature branch.

Subjunctive after 'permite que'.

Common Collocations

sacar dinero del cajero automático

introducir la tarjeta en el cajero automático

cajero automático fuera de servicio

comisión del cajero automático

red de cajeros automáticos

cajero automático de proximidad

seguridad en el cajero automático

pantalla del cajero automático

teclado del cajero automático

ranura del cajero automático

Common Phrases

ir al cajero

— To go to the ATM to get money.

Tengo que ir al cajero antes de salir.

el cajero se tragó la tarjeta

— The machine kept the card due to an error or wrong PIN.

¡Qué mala suerte! El cajero se tragó mi tarjeta.

consultar el saldo

— To check how much money is in the account.

Voy a consultar el saldo en el cajero automático.

cambiar el PIN

— To change the secret access code.

Es recomendable cambiar el PIN en el cajero automático cada tres meses.

recibo del cajero

— The paper slip showing the transaction details.

¿Quieres el recibo del cajero o prefieres ahorrar papel?

límite diario

— The maximum amount of money you can take out in one day.

He alcanzado mi límite diario en el cajero automático.

billetes pequeños

— Small denomination bills (10s or 20s).

Este cajero automático solo da billetes pequeños.

operación cancelada

— The transaction was stopped.

La pantalla dice 'operación cancelada', inténtalo de nuevo.

clave secreta

— Your private password for the machine.

Nunca digas tu clave secreta a nadie en el cajero automático.

localizador de cajeros

— A tool to find where the machines are.

Usa el localizador de cajeros en la app del banco.

Often Confused With

cajero automático vs caja

'Caja' is a box or a cashier desk in a store. 'Cajero' is the machine or the person.

cajero automático vs datáfono

'Datáfono' is the small machine in shops to pay by card. 'Cajero' is where you get cash.

cajero automático vs ventanilla

'Ventanilla' is the human counter inside the bank branch.

Idioms & Expressions

"ser un cajero automático"

— To be someone who is constantly asked for money, like a parent.

¡No soy un cajero automático! Tienes que trabajar.

informal

"estar más seco que un cajero en domingo"

— To be completely out of money (humorous).

No puedo salir, estoy más seco que un cajero en domingo.

slang

"soltar la mosca en el cajero"

— To pay up or withdraw money reluctantly.

Tuve que soltar la mosca en el cajero para pagar la multa.

informal

"hacer el agosto en el cajero"

— To make a lot of money (often through fees).

Los bancos hacen el agosto en el cajero con los turistas.

informal

"quedarse colgado en el cajero"

— To be stuck because the machine failed.

Me quedé colgado en el cajero y no pude pagar la cena.

informal

"limpiar el cajero"

— To withdraw all the available money.

Ganó la lotería y limpió el cajero.

informal

"cajero de barrio"

— A reliable, local machine.

Ese es mi cajero de barrio de toda la vida.

neutral

"tener el cajero a mano"

— To have easy access to money.

Es bueno tener el cajero a mano por si acaso.

neutral

"vivir en el cajero"

— To spend too much money constantly.

Parece que vives en el cajero, siempre estás sacando dinero.

informal

"el cajero no perdona"

— The bank will always take its fees.

Recuerda que el cajero no perdona las comisiones.

informal

Easily Confused

cajero automático vs cajero

Can mean both the machine and the human cashier.

Use 'automático' to be specific about the machine. Context usually clarifies.

El cajero (person) me sonrió / El cajero (machine) no funciona.

cajero automático vs caja fuerte

Both involve money and security.

'Caja fuerte' is a safe/vault. 'Cajero automático' is for public transactions.

Guarda el oro en la caja fuerte.

cajero automático vs caja de ahorros

Sounds like 'cajero'.

'Caja de ahorros' is a type of bank (savings bank).

Tengo mi cuenta en la caja de ahorros local.

cajero automático vs automatismo

Similar root.

'Automatismo' is a mechanical reflex or process, not a machine.

El corazón funciona por automatismo.

cajero automático vs cajero de peaje

Both are 'cajeros'.

'Cajero de peaje' is the person or machine at a highway toll booth.

Paga al cajero de peaje.

Sentence Patterns

¿Dónde está el [noun]?

¿Dónde está el cajero automático?

Voy a [verb] al [noun].

Voy a sacar dinero al cajero automático.

Si el [noun] no [verb], yo [verb].

Si el cajero automático no funciona, yo iré a otro.

Es importante que [subjunctive] el [noun].

Es importante que revises el cajero automático.

Debido a la falta de [noun], el [noun] es vital.

Debido a la falta de bancos, el cajero automático es vital.

La [noun] del [noun] supone un reto.

La obsolescencia del cajero automático supone un reto.

Necesito un [noun].

Necesito un cajero automático.

El [noun] tiene [noun].

El cajero automático tiene billetes.

Word Family

Nouns

caja (box/till)

cajero (cashier)

cajera (female cashier)

automatización (automation)

Verbs

automatizar (to automate)

encajar (to fit/box)

Adjectives

automático (automatic)

automatizado (automated)

banquero (banker)

bancario (banking-related)

tarjetahabiente (cardholder)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily life.

Common Mistakes

¿Dónde está el ATM? → ¿Dónde está el cajero automático?
'ATM' no es una sigla usada en español. Usa la frase completa o simplemente 'cajero'.
Voy a la cajera automática. → Voy al cajero automático.
El género del objeto es masculino, independientemente de quién lo use.
Quiero tomar dinero del cajero. → Quiero sacar dinero del cajero.
'Tomar' no es el verbo adecuado para retirar fondos; se usa 'sacar' o 'retirar'.
El cajero automático no tiene billetes de viente. → El cajero automático no tiene billetes de veinte.
Cuidado con la ortografía de los números (veinte, no viente).
Puse mi contraseña en el cajero. → Puse mi PIN/clave en el cajero.
Aunque 'contraseña' se entiende, en cajeros se usa más 'PIN', 'clave' o 'número secreto'.

Tips

Protege tu PIN

Siempre cubre el teclado con la mano cuando introduzcas tu clave secreta en el cajero automático para evitar robos.

Comisiones

Antes de viajar, pregunta a tu banco qué cajeros automáticos en el extranjero cobran menos comisiones.

Ortografía

Recuerda que 'automático' tiene cuatro sílabas y el acento cae en la antepenúltima: au-to-má-ti-co.

Sinónimos

En Argentina, es muy común escuchar 'cajero' a secas, pero en documentos oficiales verás el término completo.

Contactless

Muchos cajeros automáticos nuevos permiten sacar dinero simplemente acercando tu móvil o tarjeta al lector NFC.

Horarios

Aunque el cajero automático funciona 24 horas, los bancos en España suelen cerrar al público a las 14:00.

Skimming

Si ves algo raro en la ranura donde se mete la tarjeta, no uses ese cajero automático y avisa a la policía.

Límites

Si necesitas mucho dinero, recuerda que cada tarjeta tiene un límite diario de retirada en el cajero automático.

Pronunciación

La 'j' de cajero es fuerte. Imagina que estás aclarando la garganta suavemente.

Recibos

Si no necesitas el papel, elige la opción 'no imprimir recibo' para ayudar al medio ambiente.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Cashier' (Cajero) who is a 'Robot' (Automático). He lives in a box (Caja) and gives you cash.

Visual Association

Picture a giant silver machine with a smiling robot face dispensing bills in a Spanish plaza.

Word Web

banco dinero tarjeta PIN sacar ingresar comisión saldo

Challenge

Try to find a picture of a 'cajero automático' from a Spanish-speaking country online and identify the bank name.

Word Origin

'Cajero' comes from the Latin 'capsarius' (one who keeps a chest), from 'capsa' (box). 'Automático' comes from the Greek 'automatos' (acting of itself).

Original meaning: A person in charge of a physical money box that operates by itself.

Romance (Spanish) with Greek roots for the second part.

Cultural Context

Be aware that in some developing regions, ATMs may be scarce or frequently out of cash.

In the US/UK, 'ATM' is the standard. In Spanish, the full 'cajero automático' is preferred.

Banks like Santander and BBVA are global leaders in ATM technology. The movie 'Cajero automático' (ATM) is a thriller set in one.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traveling

¿Hay un cajero cerca?
¿Acepta tarjetas extranjeras?
La comisión es alta.
No tengo efectivo.

Daily Life

Voy al cajero.
Necesito sacar dinero.
El cajero no funciona.
He perdido mi tarjeta.

At the Bank

El cajero se tragó mi tarjeta.
Quiero cambiar el PIN.
¿Dónde está el cajero?
El cajero no tiene billetes.

Security

Tape el teclado.
No use este cajero.
Hay alguien vigilando.
Cuidado con el cajero.

Shopping

No hay datáfono, busca un cajero.
Solo aceptan efectivo del cajero.
El cajero está al lado del súper.
Paga en el cajero.

Conversation Starters

"¿Sabes si ese cajero automático cobra comisión por usar tarjetas de otros bancos?"

"Me han dicho que el cajero automático de la esquina siempre se queda sin dinero los viernes."

"¿Alguna vez te ha pasado que el cajero automático se traga tu tarjeta en el extranjero?"

"Prefiero usar el cajero automático que está dentro del banco porque me siento más seguro."

"¿Crees que en el futuro ya no necesitaremos cajeros automáticos porque todo será digital?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una situación estresante que hayas tenido en un cajero automático.

¿Prefieres ir a la ventanilla del banco o usar el cajero automático? ¿Por qué?

Escribe sobre la importancia de los cajeros automáticos en los pueblos pequeños.

¿Cómo ha cambiado el cajero automático tu forma de manejar el dinero cuando viajas?

Imagina que eres un cajero automático. ¿Qué ves y escuchas durante un día normal en la calle?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Se dice 'cajero automático'. Es la forma estándar en todos los países hispanohablantes.

Sí, en contextos informales es muy común decir simplemente 'el cajero'.

Los más comunes son 'sacar' (withdraw), 'ingresar' (deposit) y 'consultar' (check).

Es masculino: 'el cajero automático'.

Sí, siempre lleva tilde en la segunda 'a' porque es una palabra esdrújula.

Debes entrar al banco o llamar al número de emergencia que aparece en la pantalla.

Normalmente sí, aunque muchos están cerrando en zonas muy rurales por falta de rentabilidad.

Depende de la zona. Se recomienda usar los que están dentro de centros comerciales o bancos.

Sí, muchos cajeros modernos permiten pagar recibos de luz, agua o multas.

Se puede decir 'PIN' o 'número secreto' o 'clave'.