precio
/PREH-syoh/
price
Showing the price (precio) of an item using a simple tag.
📝 In Action
¿Cuál es el precio de este café, por favor?
A1What is the price of this coffee, please?
El precio de la gasolina ha subido mucho este mes.
A2The cost of gasoline has gone up a lot this month.
Pudimos comprar la televisión a un precio muy bueno.
A2We were able to buy the television at a very good price.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
'Precio' is always a masculine noun, so it always uses 'el' or 'un' before it, and uses masculine adjectives (e.g., 'un precio alto' or 'el mejor precio').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'La' instead of 'El'
Mistake: "La precio"
Correction: El precio. Remember, even though 'precio' ends in an 'o', always use 'el' or 'un' because it is a masculine word.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for the Price
The most common and polite way to ask for a price is '¿Cuál es el precio de...?' or simply '¿Qué precio tiene?'.
This glowing jewel symbolizes its great value (precio).
precio(Noun)
value
?abstract worth or merit
,cost
?metaphorical consequence or sacrifice
reward
?in older/formal contexts
📝 In Action
La libertad tiene un precio muy alto.
B1Freedom has a very high cost/price.
Llegar a la cima de la montaña requirió un gran precio de esfuerzo físico.
B2Reaching the mountaintop required a great cost in physical effort.
Está dispuesto a pagar cualquier precio por la paz.
B1He is willing to pay any price for peace.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Use
When used figuratively, 'precio' often describes the consequence or sacrifice required to achieve something, much like the English phrase 'the cost of success'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: precio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'precio' in its figurative sense (meaning cost or sacrifice)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'precio' the same as 'premio'?
No, they are very different! 'Precio' means 'price' (the cost you pay). 'Premio' means 'prize' or 'award' (something you win or receive). Don't mix them up when talking about shopping!
When should I use 'precio' versus 'costo'?
Both mean 'cost' or 'price.' 'Precio' is generally the tag amount you pay for a product. 'Costo' often refers to the internal expense of production or a more general expenditure. However, in daily conversation, they are often interchangeable, especially in Latin America, but 'precio' is usually preferred for asking the sticker price.