Confusing Past Tenses

In this meaning, 'costó' almost always refers to a thing (like 'it') or a singular event, so the 'él/ella/usted' form is the most common usage.

The 'It' Form

The subject doing the action (the thing that cost) is almost always placed after the verb: 'Costó cien dólares la entrada' (The ticket cost a hundred dollars).

Focus on the Object

Extremely common way to talk about prices in the past.

Direct Translation

When 'costar' means 'to take effort,' it works like the verb 'gustar.' You need an indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, etc.) to show *who* experienced the difficulty. Example: 'Le costó' (It was difficult for him/her).

Using Effort Verbs

The action that was difficult usually follows 'costó' as an infinitive verb (e.g., 'costó terminar' - it was hard to finish) or a noun (e.g., 'costó el ascenso' - the promotion was hard).

Follow-up Action

To emphasize just how hard it was, frequently add 'mucho' (a lot) or 'un montón' (a ton) after 'costó': 'Costó muchísimo'.

Emphasizing Difficulty

Very common figurative use, essential for expressing difficulty.

Learn the two main meanings of 'costó' (past tense of 'costar'): 1. 'It cost' (price) and 2. 'It was difficult' (effort). Includes full conjugation tables and simple grammar tips.

Costó Meaning, Conjugation, and Usage (A1-B2) | InkLingo

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costó

Complete Conjugation Tables

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indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

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