efectivo noun or adjective

Question

At first glance, I thought efectivo is an adjective (meaning effective) but it actually means cash. Is there an obvious ending to nouns in spanish like there is in english?

Accepted Answer

Hola Shafagh
efectivo is both, an adjective meaning "effective" and a noun meaning "cash".
For example:

Este régimen de comidas es muy efectivo. (adj)
This diet is very effective. 
Usted debe pagar en efectivo.(noun)
You must pay cash.

There is a general rule for Spanish adjectives; regular adjectives end in -o (masculine) and -a (feminine), but there are lots of exceptions and other endings too. I'm afraid there is a lot of memorising there.
Saludos
Inma