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vara means cheap — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 7, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

vara

noun • /[VA-ra]/

cheap

Example:

Está bien vara ese lugar.

That place is really cheap.

🧠 What does vara mean?

In Mexican slang, 'vara' is an informal term used to refer to money, specifically a unit of currency, often implying a small amount or a cheap price. It functions similarly to how English slang might use terms like 'bucks' or 'quid' for money. While its literal translation is 'rod' or 'staff', its slang meaning is entirely distinct and context-dependent.

📚 Extra examples

  • Esto solo me costó una vara.
    This only cost me one peso.
  • No tengo ni una vara para gastar.
    I don't even have a single peso to spend.
  • La entrada al concierto fue solo cinco varas.
    The concert ticket was only five pesos.
  • ¿Me prestas una vara para el camión?
    Can you lend me a peso for the bus?

💡 Did You Know?

While 'vara' literally means 'rod' or 'staff', in Mexican slang, it has evolved to represent a unit of currency, typically a peso. This shift in meaning highlights how language can adapt and create new terms through common usage and cultural context.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "vara"

Synonyms: lana, feria, billete, plata
Opposites: oro, tesoro

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'cheap' in Spanish?
While 'vara' is used to refer to money, and therefore can be associated with cheapness in context, the direct translations for 'cheap' are 'barato' (adjective) or 'barato/a' (adjective). 'Vara' specifically refers to money itself.
How do you pronounce 'vara' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'vara' is VAH-rah. The 'v' sound in Spanish is similar to the 'b' sound in English, and the 'r' is a light flap.
How do you use 'vara' in a sentence?
'Vara' is used informally in sentences to represent a monetary unit, typically a peso, and often implies a small sum. For example, 'Necesito una vara' means 'I need a peso.' It's also used when discussing prices, such as 'El boleto cuesta diez varas'.
What is the English translation of 'vara'?
In this slang context, the closest English translation of 'vara' is 'peso' or 'buck/quid' when referring to a unit of money, especially a small amount. Its literal translation is 'rod' or 'staff', but this is not relevant to its slang meaning.
Does 'vara' change for gender or number?
As a slang term for money, 'vara' is typically used in its singular form. It does not change for gender. When referring to multiple units, it is usually pluralized as 'varas'.
Is 'vara' common in everyday Spanish?
The slang term 'vara' for money is very common in everyday informal Spanish, particularly in Mexico. It is not generally used in formal settings or in standard Spanish outside of Mexico.
Does 'vara' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, 'vara' is a slang term. Its primary slang meaning refers to money, typically a peso, and often implies a small amount. Its literal meaning of 'rod' or 'staff' is separate from its slang usage.
Is 'vara' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Vara' as a slang term for money is primarily used in Mexico. While other Latin American countries may have their own slang terms for money, 'vara' is not as widespread or commonly understood in Spain or other parts of Latin America.

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