Inklingo

How to Say "expensive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

caro

káh-rohˈkaɾo

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'caro' when referring to something having a high price, making it difficult or undesirable to purchase.
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.)

costoso

kos-TO-sokosˈtoso

adjectiveA2General
Use 'costoso' when emphasizing the significant monetary value or expense associated with something.
A shiny gold jewelry box overflowing with sparkling diamonds and gold coins on a velvet pedestal.

Examples

Ese reloj es muy costoso.

That watch is very expensive.

Vivir en el centro de la ciudad es muy costoso.

Living in the city center is very costly.

Mantener un coche deportivo puede ser sumamente costoso.

Maintaining a sports car can be extremely expensive.

Matching the Noun

Like most words that describe things in Spanish, this one changes its ending to match the gender of the item: use 'costoso' for masculine items (un libro costoso) and 'costosa' for feminine items (una casa costosa).

Positioning

You usually put 'costoso' after the noun it describes, such as 'un regalo costoso' (an expensive gift).

Confusing with 'Costo'

Mistake: “El libro es costo.”

Correction: El libro es costoso (or caro). 'Costo' is the noun meaning 'the cost', while 'costoso' is the describing word.

valioso

vah-lee-OH-sohbaˈljo.so

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'valioso' when an item is not only expensive but also has significant intrinsic worth, rarity, or importance, similar to 'valuable'.
A large, brilliantly cut ruby gem resting on a soft, deep red velvet cushion, symbolizing high monetary value.

Examples

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. Costoso

Learners often confuse 'caro' and 'costoso'. While both mean expensive, 'caro' is the most common and versatile. Use 'costoso' when you want to highlight a substantial financial outlay or a high price tag.

Related Translations

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