The phrase "prepay coin telephone" functions primarily as a noun phrase.
/preɪˈpeɪ ˈkɔɪn ˈtɛlɪfoʊn/
"Prepay coin telephone" refers to a type of payphone that requires users to insert coins (or sometimes a pre-paid card) before placing a call. Such telephones are common in public places, allowing users to make calls without the need for a subscription or account.
The phrase is relatively niche and more likely to be encountered in specific contexts related to public telephony. It is used more often in written contexts, such as instructions, manuals, or discussions about service provisions, than in everyday oral speech.
I found a prepay coin telephone at the bus station, just when I needed to call for a ride.
Encontré un teléfono de monedas prepago en la estación de autobuses, justo cuando necesitaba llamar para que vinieran a recogerme.
The city installed several prepay coin telephones to help tourists communicate without smartphones.
La ciudad instaló varios teléfonos de monedas prepago para ayudar a los turistas a comunicarse sin teléfonos inteligentes.
Despite the rise of mobile phones, some people still prefer to use a prepay coin telephone when traveling.
A pesar del auge de los teléfonos móviles, algunas personas aún prefieren usar un teléfono de monedas prepago cuando viajan.
The term "prepay coin telephone" does not commonly appear in well-known idiomatic expressions due to its specific and niche context. However, here are some creative usage examples where similar concepts can be articulated in expressions related to telephony:
"He had to drop a dime in the prepay coin telephone to reach out for help."
Tuvo que echar una moneda en el teléfono de monedas prepago para pedir ayuda.
"You can always count on a prepay coin telephone when you need to make a quick call."
Siempre puedes contar con un teléfono de monedas prepago cuando necesitas hacer una llamada rápida.
"Just like a prepay coin telephone, some connections in life are just a quick call away."
Al igual que un teléfono de monedas prepago, algunas conexiones en la vida están a solo una llamada rápida.
The term breaks down into three parts: - "Prepay" combines "pre-" meaning before, and "pay," indicating that payment must be made in advance. - "Coin" derives from the Latin "cuneus," meaning wedge, indicating metal pieces used for currency. - "Telephone" is derived from the Greek words "tele," meaning distant, and "phone," meaning voice or sound.
The term as a whole reflects the transaction and communication utility inherent in public payphones.