barato
/bah-RAH-toh/
cheap
When referring to price, something that is barato is cheap or inexpensive.
barato(adjective)
cheap
?referring to price
,inexpensive
?referring to price
low-cost
?referring to price
📝 In Action
Esta computadora es muy barata, solo cuesta 300 euros.
A1This computer is very cheap; it only costs 300 euros.
Compramos entradas baratas para el concierto de última hora.
A2We bought cheap, last-minute tickets for the concert.
Encontré una blusa barata en esa tienda.
A1I found an inexpensive blouse in that store.
💡 Grammar Points
Changing Forms
As an adjective, 'barato' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'barato' (masculine singular), 'barata' (feminine singular), 'baratos' (masculine plural), and 'baratas' (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Gender Agreement
Mistake: "La casa es barato."
Correction: La casa es barata. (Since 'casa' is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Lo barato'
You can use 'lo barato' (the cheap thing) to talk about the concept of cheapness: 'Lo barato sale caro' (The cheap thing turns out expensive—a common saying).
When referring to appearance, barato can mean tacky or of poor quality.
barato(adjective)
tacky
?poor quality appearance
,trashy
?poor quality appearance
poorly made
?low-quality item
📝 In Action
No me gusta su ropa, siempre parece barata.
B1I don't like her clothes; they always look tacky/cheaply made.
Ese reloj de plástico se ve muy barato.
B2That plastic watch looks very trashy/cheap.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When describing an item, 'barato' usually means low price. But when describing taste, style, or quality, it can easily mean 'tacky' or 'poor quality.' Listen to the tone of voice to understand which meaning is intended.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: barato
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'barata' to describe the poor quality, rather than just the low price?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'barato' ever mean 'easy' or 'simple'?
No, unlike some English phrases like 'a cheap shot,' 'barato' almost exclusively relates to price or the resulting quality/appearance of something low-priced. Use 'fácil' for easy or simple.
How do I make 'barato' plural?
Since 'barato' ends in a vowel, you just add an '-s'. If you are describing multiple masculine items (like 'zapatos'), you use 'baratos'. If you are describing multiple feminine items (like 'camisas'), you use 'baratas'.