barato
“barato” means “cheap” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
cheap, inexpensive
Also: low-cost
📝 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.
tacky, trashy
Also: poorly made
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the verb *baratar*, which meant 'to barter' or 'to exchange.' If something was easily exchanged or given away, it was considered low in value, leading to the current meaning of 'inexpensive.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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'.