Inklingo

How to Say "costly" in Spanish

English → Spanish

caro

/káh-roh//ˈkaɾo/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'caro' when referring to something that has a high price and is therefore expensive to buy.
A sparkling diamond ring resting on a luxurious red velvet cushion, next to a massive, overflowing pile of shiny gold coins, symbolizing a high price.

Examples

Esta camisa es demasiado cara, no la puedo comprar.

This shirt is too expensive, I can't buy it.

Comprar un coche nuevo siempre resulta caro.

Buying a new car always turns out to be expensive.

Los billetes de avión son muy caros en verano.

Plane tickets are very expensive in the summer.

Agreement is Key

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'caro' changes its ending to match the noun's gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'un libro caro' (m/s), 'una casa cara' (f/s), 'los viajes caros' (m/p), 'las entradas caras' (f/p).

Using 'Muy' vs. 'Mucho'

Mistake: “La falda cuesta mucho cara.”

Correction: La falda cuesta muy cara. ('Muy' means 'very' and describes adjectives; 'mucho' means 'a lot' and describes verbs or nouns.)

precioso

preh-SYOH-soh/pɾeˈθjoso/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'precioso' when something is valuable and often luxurious, implying high worth rather than just a high price, often referring to gems or ornate items.
A massive, perfectly cut, sparkling red ruby gemstone resting on a soft purple velvet cloth.

Examples

El anillo tiene piedras preciosas, como diamantes.

The ring has precious stones, like diamonds.

El tiempo que pasamos juntos es precioso e irrecuperable.

The time we spend together is precious and irreplaceable.

Material vs. Aesthetic Value

In this sense, 'precioso' emphasizes the high material worth (like gold or gems) or the great personal value (like time or memories), moving beyond simple physical beauty.

Confusing 'Caro' and 'Precioso'

Learners often confuse 'caro' and 'precioso' because both can relate to value. Remember that 'caro' specifically means expensive in terms of monetary cost, while 'precioso' refers to intrinsic value or preciousness, like that of jewels.

Related Translations

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