valen
/VAH-len/
are worth
These valuable gems illustrate how 'valen' means 'are worth'.
valen(verb)
are worth
?monetary or intrinsic value
,cost
?price
are good for
?usefulness
📝 In Action
Estas entradas valen cien euros cada una.
A1These tickets cost one hundred euros each.
Dicen que los consejos de los abuelos siempre valen oro.
A2They say that grandparents' advice is always worth gold.
¿Cuánto valen estos libros viejos? ¿Tienen algún valor?
A2How much are these old books worth? Do they have any value?
💡 Grammar Points
Irregular 'Yo' Form
The infinitive verb 'valer' is irregular only in the 'yo' form of the present tense, where it becomes 'valgo'. All other forms (like 'valen') follow the regular pattern for -er verbs in the present tense.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Valer' and 'Costar'
Mistake: "Using 'costan' instead of 'valen' when referring to the inherent worth of something (e.g., 'Los recuerdos costan mucho')."
Correction: Use 'valen' for intrinsic value and 'costar' for the transaction price. 'Los recuerdos valen mucho' (Memories are worth a lot).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Object
'Valen' is used when the subject (the thing or people being discussed) is plural. If you are talking about one thing, you would use 'vale'.
The green checkmark shows that these documents 'valen', meaning they 'are valid'.
valen(verb)
are valid
?documents, excuses, rules
,are effective
?strategies, methods
count
?in a game or scoring context
📝 In Action
Estas tarjetas de descuento solo valen hasta fin de mes.
B1These discount cards are only valid until the end of the month.
En este juego, los puntos extra valen el doble.
B1In this game, the extra points count double.
Las promesas que se hacen a la ligera no valen nada.
B2Promises made lightly are not valid (or worth) anything.
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning Shift
When used in the sense of 'validity,' 'valen' usually refers to rules, documents, or agreements that are currently in effect or acceptable.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
You will often hear 'valen' in formal settings (like banks or government offices) when discussing the expiration dates or acceptance of paperwork.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: valen
Question 1 of 2
In the sentence 'Los billetes antiguos no valen en la tienda,' what is the best translation for 'valen'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'valen' the only form of the verb 'valer' that is used often?
No. The singular form 'vale' (it is worth/it is okay) is extremely common, especially to mean 'okay' or 'agreed.' 'Valen' is simply the plural version, used when talking about multiple things.
How do I know if 'valen' means 'cost' or 'is valid'?
The context usually makes it clear. If the sentence includes a price or currency (euros, dólares), it means 'cost.' If it refers to documents, rules, or agreements, it means 'are valid' or 'are effective.'