valer
/bah-LEHR/
to be worth
The gold coin and jewels show that something has a high value or is worth a lot.
valer(verb)
to be worth
?having a specific value
,to cost
?the price of an item
to merit
?deserving a certain reaction
📝 In Action
¿Cuánto vale esta camiseta?
A1How much does this t-shirt cost?
Ese anillo vale una fortuna.
A2That ring is worth a fortune.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'G' in the 'I' form
When talking about yourself (yo), the verb changes from 'val-' to 'valgo.' This only happens in the present 'I' form.
Future and Conditional Spelling
In the future and conditional forms, the 'e' drops out and is replaced by a 'd', so it becomes 'valdré' instead of 'valeré'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Saying 'valeré' for the future
Mistake: "Yo valeré mucho."
Correction: Yo valdré mucho. (Remember the 'd' in the future stem!)
⭐ Usage Tips
Money Talk
In Spain, 'valer' is used very frequently for prices in shops. In Latin America, 'costar' is often more common for prices.
A green checkmark on a document shows that it is valid and accepted.
valer(verb)
to be valid
?rules or documents
,to count
?points in a game
to be allowed
?permission in a situation
📝 In Action
En este juego, los goles de cabeza valen doble.
B1In this game, header goals count for double.
Este billete ya no vale.
B1This ticket is no longer valid.
No vale usar las manos.
B1Using your hands is not allowed.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'valer' for rules
You can use 'No vale' followed by an infinitive (verb in the -ar, -er, -ir form) to say something isn't allowed.
⭐ Usage Tips
Fair Play
If you are playing a game and someone cheats, shout '¡No vale!' to say 'That's not fair!'
A thumbs up is a simple way to say 'OK' or show agreement.
📝 In Action
—Nos vemos a las seis. —Vale.
A1—See you at six. —OK.
💡 Grammar Points
Verb to Interjection
Though it comes from the verb 'valer', in this context, it never changes its form. It is always 'vale'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding like a Local
If you visit Spain, replacing 'sí' or 'está bien' with 'vale' will instantly make you sound more natural.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: valer
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the correct 'I' form (yo) in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'valer' and 'costar'?
Both can mean 'to cost'. 'Costar' is more technical and used everywhere for prices. 'Valer' can mean price, but it also means 'to be worth' (intrinsic value) and is used as 'OK' in Spain.
How do I say 'It's worth it'?
The most common phrase is 'Vale la pena' (literally: it's worth the pain/effort).