cueste
“cueste” means “it may cost” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
it may cost, let it cost
Also: I may cost
📝 In Action
Espero que el boleto no cueste más de cincuenta dólares.
A2I hope the ticket doesn't cost more than fifty dollars.
Dígame cuánto cueste el pastel grande, por favor.
B1Tell me how much the large cake costs, please. (Formal request)
it may take effort, it may be hard
Also: I may struggle
📝 In Action
Aunque le cueste mucho, debe terminar el informe hoy.
B1Even if it takes him a lot of effort, he must finish the report today.
Haré este viaje cueste lo que cueste.
B2I will make this trip whatever it takes (no matter the effort).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cueste
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'cueste' to express a wish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *constare*, which originally meant 'to stand firm' or 'to be fixed.' This evolved into meaning 'to be fixed in price,' and later, figuratively, 'to require a fixed amount of effort.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'costar' change its 'o' to 'ue' in 'cueste'?
The verb 'costar' is irregular because it has a 'stem change.' When the stress falls on the root of the verb (like in 'cuesto' or 'cueste'), the 'o' turns into 'ue.' This is a common pattern in Spanish verbs.
What is the difference between 'cueste' and 'cuesta'?
'Cuesta' is used for facts: 'The book costs ten dollars' (El libro cuesta diez dólares). 'Cueste' is used for wishes, doubts, or conditions: 'I wish it cost less' (Ojalá que cueste menos).