“Money” and “cash” are related words, but they are not exactly the same. Here’s what you need to know to use them correctly.
What Is Money?
Money is a general term for anything that can be used to buy goods and services or pay debts. It includes:
- Coins and bills
- Bank account balances
- Credit on a credit card
- Other forms of payment like checks or digital money
You can say “money” when talking about value in a broad sense, whether it’s physical or electronic.
What Is Cash?
Cash means physical money — the coins and bills you can hold in your hand. It does not include money in bank accounts, credit card balances, or digital forms.
Use “cash” when you’re specifically referring to tangible money that you can carry and spend immediately.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Money | Cash | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Any form of value used for payment | Physical coins and bills | I need to save money. / I need cash for the bus today. |
| Form | Physical or electronic | Only physical | She has money in her account. / She took out $100 cash. |
| Usage | General discussion about wealth or payment | Talking about paying with or having physical money | Do you have money? / Do you have any cash? |
| Examples | money, savings, spending, earning | cash payment, cash on hand, cash drawer | Money is important. / Pay in cash or card. |
Explain the difference: What is the difference between money and cash?
Money is any form of payment, including electronic forms; cash is only physical coins and bills.
Money includes all forms of payment, while cash is limited to physical coins and bills.
Usage Tips
- Don’t say “I need some money to buy a coffee.” (correct)
- Don’t say “I need some cash to buy a coffee.” (also correct, but implies you want physical bills or coins)
- Avoid saying “I paid by money.” Say “I paid with money” or “I paid in cash.”
- You can say “Do you have any cash?” but you would usually say, “Do you have money?” if you’re being general.
- Use “cash” when talking about situations like “paying in cash” or “taking out cash from the ATM.”
Summary
- Money = general term for value used in payment (can be physical or electronic)
- Cash = physical coins and bills only
- Use “money” for general ideas about wealth and spending
- Use “cash” when talking about physical payment or carrying money on hand
Which statement is true? (1) "Money" can be electronic or physical. (2) "Cash" is only physical coins and bills.
Both statements are true.
"Money" includes all forms of value for payment, while "cash" refers only to physical currency.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
