Inklingo
← Dictionary

caro

káh-rohˈkaɾo

“caro” means “expensive” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

expensive

Also: costly
A sparkling diamond ring resting on a luxurious red velvet cushion, next to a massive, overflowing pile of shiny gold coins, symbolizing a high price.

📝 In Action

Esta camisa es demasiado cara, no la puedo comprar.

A1

This shirt is too expensive, I can't buy it.

Comprar un coche nuevo siempre resulta caro.

A2

Buying a new car always turns out to be expensive.

Los billetes de avión son muy caros en verano.

A1

Plane tickets are very expensive in the summer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • barato (cheap)
  • económico (economical)

Common Collocations

  • ser caro – to be expensive (inherently)
  • estar caro – to be expensive (at this moment/temporarily)

dear

Also: precious
AdjectivemB1formal
A smiling small child tenderly hugging a well-loved, slightly worn teddy bear close to their chest, illustrating something that is beloved or dear.

📝 In Action

Mi más caro deseo es que volvamos a vernos pronto.

B1

My dearest wish is that we see each other again soon.

Cara amiga, espero que esta carta te encuentre bien.

B2

Dear friend, I hope this letter finds you well.

Ella guarda un recuerdo caro de su infancia.

C1

She keeps a precious memory of her childhood.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • detestable (detestable)

Common Collocations

  • caro amigo – dear friend (letter opening)
  • caro recuerdo – precious memory

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "caro" in Spanish:

costly→dear→expensive→precious→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: caro

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'caro' to mean 'dear' or 'beloved' rather than 'expensive'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
carestía(high cost of living) — Noun
encarecer(to make expensive; to raise the price) — Verb
caridad(charity/love) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'caro' comes directly from the Latin word *carus*, which had both meanings: 'dear, beloved' and 'costly, expensive.' This explains why the modern Spanish word covers both the emotional and monetary sense of high value.

First recorded: Documented in Spanish texts since the 13th century.

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: caroFrench: cherPortuguese: caro

💡 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

How do I know whether to use 'caro,' 'cara,' 'caros,' or 'caras'?

You must match the word's ending to the person or thing you are describing. If the noun is singular and feminine (like 'la casa'), use 'cara.' If it's plural and masculine (like 'los libros'), use 'caros.'

Is 'caro' only for money, or can it describe effort or time?

Yes, 'caro' can describe anything that requires a high cost. You can say 'una victoria cara' (a costly victory) to mean a victory achieved with great effort or sacrifice.