How to Say "toll" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “toll” is “costo” — use 'costo' when referring to a significant negative consequence or price paid, often in a political or general sense.
costo
KOHS-tohˈkos.to
Examples
La guerra tuvo un costo humano devastador.
The war had a devastating human toll.
La decisión tuvo un costo político muy alto para el presidente.
The decision had a very high political cost for the president.
El éxito se logró, pero con un costo enorme en tiempo personal.
Success was achieved, but at an enormous cost in personal time.
Figurative Use
This meaning describes effort or consequences, often paired with abstract nouns like 'emocional' (emotional) or 'humano' (human).
coste
KOHS-tehˈkoste
Examples
El estrés de su trabajo le pasó un gran coste a su salud.
The stress of his job took a great toll on his health.
El éxito tuvo un gran coste personal para el atleta.
Success took a great personal toll on the athlete.
Ganar el juicio tuvo un coste emocional muy alto.
Winning the trial had a very high emotional cost.
No podemos permitirnos el coste humano de esta decisión.
We cannot afford the human cost of this decision.
Abstract Use
Just like in English, you can use 'cost' to talk about things that aren't money, like time, health, or happiness.
Confusing with 'Costa'
Mistake: “A toda coste.”
Correction: A toda costa. While 'coste' means expense, 'costa' is used in the specific idiom meaning 'at all costs'.
saldo
SAHL-dohˈsal.do
Examples
El accidente dejó un saldo de cinco heridos.
The accident left a toll of five injured.
La reunión dejó un saldo muy positivo para la empresa.
The meeting left a very positive outcome for the company.
El accidente dejó un saldo de cuatro heridos leves.
The accident left a toll of four people with minor injuries.
El saldo final de la temporada fue mejor de lo esperado.
The final result of the season was better than expected.
Using Saldo for Numbers
When 'saldo' refers to casualties or victims, it is often followed by the preposition 'de' + a number.
Coste vs. Costo
Related Translations
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