Inklingo
← Dictionary

barata

bah-RAH-tahbaˈɾata

“barata” means “cheap” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

cheap, inexpensive

Also: low-cost
A bright red apple sitting next to a single, very small silver coin, suggesting a low price.

📝 In Action

Esta bicicleta fue muy barata, una ganga.

A1

This bicycle was very cheap, a bargain.

Necesito una solución barata para el problema de la humedad.

B1

I need an inexpensive solution for the humidity problem.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • económica (economical)
  • asequible (affordable)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • vida barata – cheap life (low cost of living)

sale, bargain

Also: clearance
NounfB1
A large stack of colorful, neatly folded clothes with a big red arrow pointing down beside them, symbolizing a major sale event.

📝 In Action

Compré estos zapatos de barata.

B1

I bought these shoes on sale/at a bargain.

Vamos a la tienda, creo que hay barata hoy.

B2

Let's go to the store, I think there is a sale today.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • de barata – on sale

cockroach

NounfB2informal
CubaPuerto RicoDominican Republic
A single brown cockroach with prominent antennae crawling across a clean, light-colored floor.

📝 In Action

Cuidado, hay una barata en la cocina.

B2

Watch out, there is a cockroach in the kitchen.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "barata" in Spanish:

bargain→clearance→cockroach→sale→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: barata

Question 1 of 2

If you are in Puerto Rico and your friend shouts, '¡Una barata!', what is she seeing?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
barato(cheap (masculine)) — Adjective
baratura(cheapness) — Noun
abaratar(to lower the price) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The meanings related to price (cheap/sale) come from the masculine form 'barato,' which likely originated from Late Latin or Old Spanish terms related to exchange or trade. The meaning 'cockroach' is a regional homonym, possibly influenced by local dialects or indigenous languages in the Caribbean.

First recorded: 15th century (as barato)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: barataItalian: baratto

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'barata' have two completely different meanings?

This is a case of homonymy. The meaning related to price (cheap) comes from the adjective 'barato.' The meaning 'cockroach' is a regional word used in the Caribbean that sounds the same but has a completely different origin and usage.

Is 'barata' always feminine?

Yes. As an adjective, it is the feminine form describing feminine nouns (e.g., 'la casa barata'). As a noun (both 'sale' and 'cockroach'), it is also a feminine word (e.g., 'una barata').