Inklingo

How to Say "expensive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

caro

/káh-roh//ˈkaɾo/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'caro' when referring to something that has a high monetary price or costs a lot of money.
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

Este coche es demasiado caro para mi presupuesto.

This car is too expensive for my budget.

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.)

valioso

vah-lee-OH-soh/baˈljo.so/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'valioso' when something is valuable, precious, or important, often implying a high intrinsic worth rather than just a high price.
A large, brilliantly cut ruby gem resting on a soft, deep red velvet cushion, symbolizing high monetary value.

Examples

El anillo de diamantes es una pieza muy valiosa.

The diamond ring is a very valuable piece.

Encontré un reloj muy valioso en la tienda de antigüedades.

I found a very valuable watch in the antique shop.

Este diamante es la joya más valiosa de la colección.

This diamond is the most valuable jewel in the collection.

Sus posesiones más valiosas están guardadas en la caja fuerte.

His most valuable possessions are kept in the safe.

Adjective Agreement (The Basics)

Since 'valioso' is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use '-a' for feminine words (valiosa), '-os' for masculine plural (valiosos), and '-as' for feminine plural (valiosas).

Forgetting Gender Change

Mistake: “La casa valioso (Incorrect)”

Correction: La casa valiosa (Correct). Remember 'casa' is feminine, so the adjective must end in '-a'.

Caro vs. Valioso

Learners often confuse 'caro' and 'valioso' because both can imply high cost. Remember that 'caro' is strictly about the price tag, while 'valioso' is about the object's inherent worth or importance, which may or may not correlate with a high price.

Related Translations

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