Inklingo

How to Say "valuable" in Spanish

English → Spanish

valioso

vah-lee-OH-sohbaˈljo.so

adjectiveA2general
Use 'valioso' when referring to something that has significant worth, whether monetary, sentimental, or otherwise important.
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'.

costoso

kos-TO-sokosˈtoso

adjectiveA2general
Use 'costoso' specifically when emphasizing that something has a high price or is expensive to buy.
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.

precioso

preh-SYOH-sohpɾeˈθjoso

adjectiveB1general
Use 'precioso' when referring to something with great monetary value, often implying rarity or beauty, like precious stones or jewels.
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.

Valioso vs. Costoso

Learners often confuse 'valioso' and 'costoso'. Remember that 'costoso' solely refers to a high price, while 'valioso' can mean expensive but also implies importance or great worth beyond just the monetary aspect.

Related Translations

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