What does “du liquide” mean in French money talk?

When the bill arrives, one diner asks “Tu as du liquide?” It sounds like “Do you have any liquid?” But in French, “du liquide” is the normal word for cash — real notes and coins, not a card. The other speaker says no and pays by card instead. You will hear this in any café, shop, or market in France.

In the clip: “Tu as du liquide? — Non, je vais payer avec la carte visa.” (“Do you have cash? — No, I’ll pay with the Visa card.”) “Liquide” first means a liquid, like water. For money it is short for “argent liquide” — money that is “fluid” and ready to move, unlike money locked in a bank account. You will also hear “des espèces” for cash, which is a little more formal. Shops often post “espèces ou carte?” (“cash or card?”). In everyday speech, “du liquide” is the easy, friendly choice. Example: “Désolé, je n’ai pas de liquide sur moi.” (“Sorry, I have no cash on me.”) And “payer en liquide” means “to pay in cash.”