Inklingo

How to Say "price" in Spanish

English → Spanish

precio

PREH-syohˈpɾe.θjo

nounA1general
Use 'precio' when referring to the general monetary cost of an item or service that you would pay as a consumer.
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.

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').

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.

coste

KOHS-tehˈkoste

nounA2general
Use 'coste' when referring to the expenses incurred in producing something, or the cost of living.
A stack of gold coins and a few paper bills on a clean surface.

Examples

El coste de la vida ha subido mucho este año.

The cost of living has gone up a lot this year.

Debemos reducir el coste de producción para ser competitivos.

We must reduce the production cost to be competitive.

El billete de avión tiene un coste adicional por la maleta.

The plane ticket has an additional cost for the suitcase.

Masculine Word

Even though it ends in '-e', this word is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (e.g., 'el coste').

Coste vs. Precio

Think of 'coste' as what it takes to make or maintain something, while 'precio' is what the customer actually pays in a shop.

The Wrong Gender

Mistake: “La coste de la cena.”

Correction: El coste de la cena. 'Coste' is a masculine noun.

valor

vah-LORbaˈloɾ

nounA2general
Use 'valor' when discussing the intrinsic worth or monetary value of something, especially when it's not a simple purchase price.
A single, large, perfectly cut, sparkling diamond resting on a red velvet cushion, symbolizing worth or importance.

Examples

¿Cuál es el valor real de esta joya antigua?

What is the real value of this antique jewel?

El valor del dólar subió hoy.

The value of the dollar went up today.

Ese gesto tiene un gran valor sentimental para mí.

That gesture has great sentimental value for me.

Always Masculine

Since 'valor' is a masculine noun, remember to use the masculine articles: 'el valor' or 'un valor'.

Valor vs. Precio

Mistake: “No entendemos el valor.”

Correction: No entendemos el precio. (Use 'precio' specifically when asking about the ticket/tag price; use 'valor' for abstract or intrinsic worth.)

cotización

nounA2financial/business
Use 'cotización' for the current market price or quote of stocks, currencies, or services like a bid for a job.

Examples

Solicité una cotización para pintar mi casa.

I requested a quote to paint my house.

Precio vs. Coste

Learners often confuse 'precio' and 'coste'. Remember that 'precio' is what a buyer pays, while 'coste' refers to the expenses of production or the cost of living. For example, you pay the 'precio' of a product, but the company considers its 'coste' of making it.

Related Translations

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