A2 Expression غیر رسمی 2 دقیقه مطالعه

Cash only?

Payment inquiry

Use `Cash only?` to avoid payment awkwardness at small shops or local stalls before you buy.

در ۱۵ ثانیه

  • A short question to check if a shop accepts credit cards.
  • Essential for food trucks, small cafes, and local markets.
  • Use a rising intonation on the word 'only' to show curiosity.

معنی

This is a quick way to ask if a business only accepts physical bills and coins instead of credit cards or digital apps.

مثال‌های کلیدی

3 از 6
1

Buying a hot dog from a street vendor

Hey, is it cash only?

Hey, is it cash only?

😊
2

Asking a waiter before ordering a big meal

Excuse me, I forgot my wallet. Is this place cash only?

Excuse me, I forgot my wallet. Is this place cash only?

🤝
3

Asking a taxi driver at the start of a ride

I'm headed to the airport. Is it cash only or do you take cards?

I'm headed to the airport. Is it cash only or do you take cards?

💼
🌍

زمینه فرهنگی

While digital payments are everywhere, 'Cash Only' remains a badge of honor for many iconic, old-school diners and dive bars in the US and UK. It often implies the business is small, local, and perhaps a bit traditional. In some regions, 'cash only' can also be a subtle hint that the business prefers to keep things off the digital grid.

💡

The Rising Tone

Always use a rising pitch at the end of `only`. It turns the statement into a polite question.

💬

The 'No-Card' Discount

In some places, if you ask `Cash only?`, they might give you a small discount because they avoid credit card fees!

در ۱۵ ثانیه

  • A short question to check if a shop accepts credit cards.
  • Essential for food trucks, small cafes, and local markets.
  • Use a rising intonation on the word 'only' to show curiosity.

What It Means

Cash only? is a short, punchy question. You use it to check if you can pay with plastic or your phone. It is the survival phrase for your wallet. It literally asks: "Do you only take paper money?"

How To Use It

Just say the two words with a rising tone at the end. It is very flexible. You can use it as a complete sentence. You can also add it to the end of a longer question. For example: "I want this coffee, but is it cash only?"

When To Use It

Use it before you order food or services. It is great for small shops. Use it at food trucks or local markets. It is also smart to use at busy bars. It saves you from the awkward moment of a declined card.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it at high-end luxury stores. They always take cards. Avoid it at major supermarkets or chain hotels. In these places, it might sound a bit strange or unnecessary. Also, do not use it if you see a giant "Visa/Mastercard" sign on the door.

Cultural Background

In many English-speaking countries, cards are king. However, small businesses hate paying bank fees. Some places stay cash only to save money. In cities like New York or London, some of the best pizza or bagels are cash only. It is often a sign of a local, authentic spot. Carrying a twenty-dollar bill is a smart backup plan.

Common Variations

  • Do you take cards? (The most common alternative)
  • Is there an ATM nearby? (What you ask if they say yes)
  • Card or cash? (What the cashier might ask you)
  • No plastic? (A very informal, slightly funny way to ask)
  • Are you cash-based? (A bit more formal or business-like)

نکات کاربردی

This phrase is highly informal but acceptable in most retail interactions. Be sure to use a questioning intonation to avoid sounding like you are giving an order.

💡

The Rising Tone

Always use a rising pitch at the end of `only`. It turns the statement into a polite question.

💬

The 'No-Card' Discount

In some places, if you ask `Cash only?`, they might give you a small discount because they avoid credit card fees!

⚠️

Look for the Sign

Check the door or the register first. If there is a sign that says `Cash Only`, asking the question might make you look like you aren't paying attention.

مثال‌ها

6
#1 Buying a hot dog from a street vendor
😊

Hey, is it cash only?

Hey, is it cash only?

Very common for street food where card machines are rare.

#2 Asking a waiter before ordering a big meal
🤝

Excuse me, I forgot my wallet. Is this place cash only?

Excuse me, I forgot my wallet. Is this place cash only?

A polite way to check before you are stuck with a bill.

#3 Asking a taxi driver at the start of a ride
💼

I'm headed to the airport. Is it cash only or do you take cards?

I'm headed to the airport. Is it cash only or do you take cards?

Professional and clear to avoid issues at the destination.

#4 Texting a friend about a new bar
😊

That dive bar was cool but it's cash only! Bring some bills.

That dive bar was cool but it's cash only! Bring some bills.

Warning a friend so they are prepared.

#5 Joking with a friend who never has money
😄

Oh, you're 'cash only' today? I guess I'm buying the drinks again!

Oh, you're 'cash only' today? I guess I'm buying the drinks again!

A playful way to tease someone who has no money.

#6 Realizing you can't pay for a gift
💭

I'm so sorry, I didn't realize it was cash only. I'll be right back.

I'm so sorry, I didn't realize it was cash only. I'll be right back.

Used when you feel embarrassed for not having physical money.

خودت رو بسنج

You are at a local farmer's market. Ask the vendor about payment.

Excuse me, is this apple stand ___ ___?

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: cash only

`Cash only` is the standard set phrase used in English commerce.

Choose the most natural response when a shop doesn't take cards.

The sign says '___ ___'. I need to find an ATM.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: Cash only

While 'Only cash' is grammatically okay, 'Cash only' is the idiomatic expression found on signs.

🎉 امتیاز: /2

ابزارهای بصری یادگیری

Formality of 'Cash only?'

Casual

Short and direct with friends or vendors.

Cash only?

Neutral

Polite inquiry at a restaurant.

Is it cash only here?

Formal

Full sentence for professional settings.

Do you accept cash only, or are cards also accepted?

Where to use 'Cash only?'

Cash only?
🌮

Food Truck

Checking before ordering a taco.

💈

Barber Shop

Asking before getting a haircut.

🏠

Garage Sale

Buying a used bike from a neighbor.

☕

Old Diner

Confirming payment at a retro cafe.

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

Not at all! It is a very practical question. Just say it with a smile and a friendly tone.

You can, but Cash only? is the standard idiom. It sounds much more natural to native speakers.

Simply ask, Is there an ATM nearby? Most cash-only places are located near a bank or have a machine inside.

In formal settings, you would say Do you accept credit cards? Save Cash only? for casual shops and cafes.

Yes, cash refers to both paper bills and metal coins. Anything physical counts!

It is a common saying meaning that physical money is the most reliable form of payment.

Credit card companies charge shops a fee for every swipe. Small shops use cash only to keep their prices low.

Yes, it is perfect for texting. For example: Hey, is that pizza place cash only?

Yes, it is very common in the UK, especially at 'chippies' (fish and chip shops) or local pubs.

In spoken English, yes. It is an elliptical sentence where 'Is it...' is implied.

عبارات مرتبط

Do you take plastic?

A slang way to ask if they accept credit cards.

Exact change only

When a machine or shop cannot give you money back; you must have the perfect amount.

Card minimum

The smallest amount of money you must spend to use a credit card (e.g., $10).

ATM on-site

A sign telling you there is a cash machine inside the building.

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