Inklingo

How to Say "cost" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “cost” is “precio” — use 'precio' when referring to the price of a good or service, or metaphorically for a consequence or sacrifice. It is the most general term for price..

precio🔊A1

Use 'precio' when referring to the price of a good or service, or metaphorically for a consequence or sacrifice. It is the most general term for price.

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costo🔊A1

Use 'costo' specifically for the expense or monetary amount incurred in producing or acquiring something, often used in business or economic contexts.

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importe🔊A1

Use 'importe' to refer to a specific sum of money or amount due, often seen on invoices, receipts, or when discussing financial transactions.

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valen🔊A1

Use the verb 'valer' (in its conjugated form 'valen' for plural subjects) to state what something is worth or its price in a direct, declarative way.

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valióA2

Use the past tense of the verb 'valer' ('valió') to indicate what something was worth or its price in the past.

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English → Spanish

precio

/PREH-syoh//ˈpɾe.θjo/

nounA1
Use 'precio' when referring to the price of a good or service, or metaphorically for a consequence or sacrifice. It is the most general term for price.
A bright red apple sitting on a white surface. A blank white price tag is tied to the apple's stem with a piece of string.

Examples

¿Cuál es el precio de este café, por favor?

What is the price of this coffee, please?

El precio de la gasolina ha subido mucho este mes.

The cost of gasoline has gone up a lot this month.

Pudimos comprar la televisión a un precio muy bueno.

We were able to buy the television at a very good price.

La libertad tiene un precio muy alto.

Freedom has a very high cost/price.

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').

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'.

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.

costo

KOHS-toh/ˈkos.to/

nounA1
Use 'costo' specifically for the expense or monetary amount incurred in producing or acquiring something, often used in business or economic contexts.
A small, neat stack of shiny gold coins resting beside a simple white price tag, symbolizing monetary value.

Examples

El costo del billete de avión es muy alto.

The cost of the plane ticket is very high.

Necesitamos reducir los costos operativos.

We need to reduce the operating costs.

Masculine Noun

Since 'costo' is masculine, always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el costo' (the cost), 'un costo' (a cost).

Confusing 'costo' and 'costa'

Mistake: “Using 'la costo' (incorrect gender).”

Correction: Always use 'el costo' (the price/expense). 'La costa' means 'the coast' or 'the shore'.

importe

im-POR-teh/imˈpoɾte/

nounA1
Use 'importe' to refer to a specific sum of money or amount due, often seen on invoices, receipts, or when discussing financial transactions.
A tall, neat stack of assorted gold coins and green paper currency bills resting on a simple wooden surface.

Examples

Por favor, indique el importe exacto que desea pagar.

Please indicate the exact amount you wish to pay.

El importe de la factura asciende a cien euros.

The total amount of the invoice comes to one hundred euros.

Si el importe es demasiado alto, podemos ofrecerle un plan de pagos.

If the cost is too high, we can offer you a payment plan.

Masculine Noun

Even though this word ends in '-e', it is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Confusing with 'importancia'

Mistake: “Usando 'la importe' para decir 'importance'.”

Correction: Use 'la importancia' for 'importance'. 'El importe' is only for a financial amount or total.

valen

VAH-len/ˈbalen/

verbA1
Use the verb 'valer' (in its conjugated form 'valen' for plural subjects) to state what something is worth or its price in a direct, declarative way.
Three large, perfectly cut, sparkling emerald gemstones displayed on a simple black velvet cushion, emphasizing their high monetary worth.

Examples

Estas entradas valen cien euros cada una.

These tickets cost one hundred euros each.

Dicen que los consejos de los abuelos siempre valen oro.

They say that grandparents' advice is always worth gold.

¿Cuánto valen estos libros viejos? ¿Tienen algún valor?

How much are these old books worth? Do they have any value?

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.

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).

valió

verbA2
Use the past tense of the verb 'valer' ('valió') to indicate what something was worth or its price in the past.

Examples

El coche valió diez mil dólares el año pasado.

The car cost ten thousand dollars last year.

Distinguishing 'Costo' and 'Precio'

The most common confusion is between 'costo' and 'precio'. While both can mean price, 'costo' often implies the expense incurred, especially in business, while 'precio' is the general term for what you pay. Think of 'costo' as the expense to the seller/producer and 'precio' as the price to the buyer.

Related Translations

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