Yes, Mexicans do say "plata" to refer to money.
The Widespread Use of "Plata" for Money
While "plata" literally translates to "silver," it is a widely understood and commonly used term for "money" across most Latin American countries, and Mexico is no exception. This makes "plata" a common and informal way to refer to cash or funds in everyday conversation.
- Common Phrases: You will often hear phrases like:
- "¿Necesitas plata?" (Do you need money?)
- "No tengo mucha plata ahora." (I don't have much money right now.)
- "¡Esa casa cuesta mucha plata!" (That house costs a lot of money!)
- Regional Acceptance: The use of "plata" as a default term for money is a linguistic feature shared across much of the Spanish-speaking world in Latin America, making it easily recognized and used in Mexico.
- Beyond "Plata": While "plata" is frequently used, Mexicans also employ other terms for money, including the standard "dinero" (money) and various slang terms such as "lana" (wool, but commonly used for money) or "varo." Despite these alternatives, "plata" remains a very common and universally understood option.
Understanding this usage is key to comprehending everyday conversations related to finances in Mexico.