Inklingo

How to Say "value" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “value” is “valor” — use 'valor' when referring to the general worth, importance, or significance of something, especially when it's not strictly monetary..

valor🔊A2

Use 'valor' when referring to the general worth, importance, or significance of something, especially when it's not strictly monetary.

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importe🔊A1

Use 'importe' specifically for the monetary amount or sum of money associated with something.

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precio🔊B1

Use 'precio' when talking about the cost of something or the abstract 'price' one pays for an idea or concept.

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importancia🔊B1

Use 'importancia' when emphasizing the significance, relevance, or consequence of something.

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aprecio🔊B1

Use 'aprecio' to express appreciation or esteem for someone or something, focusing on its perceived worth in terms of respect or gratitude.

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principio🔊B1

Use 'principio' when referring to a fundamental belief, moral standard, or rule that guides behavior.

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valíaB2

Use 'valía' to describe the inherent quality or merit that makes someone or something valuable and highly regarded.

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English → Spanish

valor

vah-LOR/baˈloɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'valor' when referring to the general worth, importance, or significance of something, especially when it's not strictly monetary.
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.)

importe

im-POR-teh/imˈpoɾte/

nounA1general
Use 'importe' specifically for the monetary amount or sum of money associated with something.
A tall, neat stack of assorted gold coins and green paper currency bills resting on a simple wooden surface.

Examples

Por favor, indique el importe exacto que desea pagar.

Please indicate the exact amount you wish to pay.

El importe de la factura asciende a cien euros.

The total amount of the invoice comes to one hundred euros.

Si el importe es demasiado alto, podemos ofrecerle un plan de pagos.

If the cost is too high, we can offer you a payment plan.

Masculine Noun

Even though this word ends in '-e', it is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Confusing with 'importancia'

Mistake: “Usando 'la importe' para decir 'importance'.”

Correction: Use 'la importancia' for 'importance'. 'El importe' is only for a financial amount or total.

precio

/PREH-syoh//ˈpɾe.θjo/

nounB1general
Use 'precio' when talking about the cost of something or the abstract 'price' one pays for an idea or concept.
A single, large, flawless blue gemstone resting prominently on a small, deep purple velvet display cushion, radiating a soft glow.

Examples

La libertad tiene un precio muy alto.

Freedom has a very high cost/price.

Llegar a la cima de la montaña requirió un gran precio de esfuerzo físico.

Reaching the mountaintop required a great cost in physical effort.

Está dispuesto a pagar cualquier precio por la paz.

He is willing to pay any price for peace.

Abstract Use

When used figuratively, 'precio' often describes the consequence or sacrifice required to achieve something, much like the English phrase 'the cost of success'.

importancia

im-por-TAN-sia/im.porˈtan.sja/

nounB1general
Use 'importancia' when emphasizing the significance, relevance, or consequence of something.
A brightly glowing golden key resting on a tall marble pedestal, symbolizing its significance, surrounded by small, dull grey rocks.

Examples

La reunión de hoy tiene mucha importancia para el proyecto.

Today's meeting has a lot of importance for the project.

No le des tanta importancia a ese pequeño error.

Don't give so much importance to that small mistake.

Para mí, la familia es lo que tiene más importancia.

For me, family is what has the most significance.

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'importancia' is a feminine word, so you must use feminine words with it: 'mucha importancia', 'la importancia'.

Using 'de importancia'

You can use 'de importancia' (of importance) as an adjective phrase to describe nouns, like 'un tema de importancia' (an important topic).

Using 'Importante' as a Noun

Mistake: “La importante de la reunión es el presupuesto.”

Correction: La importancia de la reunión es el presupuesto. (The quality of being important is 'importancia', while 'importante' is the adjective.)

aprecio

ah-PREH-see-oh/aˈpɾe.sjo/

nounB1general
Use 'aprecio' to express appreciation or esteem for someone or something, focusing on its perceived worth in terms of respect or gratitude.
A colorful illustration showing a small child happily presenting a single bright red flower to an adult as a sign of appreciation.

Examples

Le tengo un gran aprecio por su ayuda desinteresada.

I have great appreciation for his selfless help.

Me da mucho gusto que sientas aprecio por mi trabajo.

I'm very pleased that you feel appreciation for my work.

Al final de la carta, escribió 'Con mi mayor aprecio'.

At the end of the letter, she wrote 'With my highest regard'.

Using the Noun

The noun 'aprecio' is masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un' before it. It often follows verbs like 'tener' (to have) or 'mostrar' (to show).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'aprecio' as a verb for 'he/she appreciates' (e.g., *Él aprecio su ayuda*).”

Correction: The verb form for 'he/she appreciates' is 'aprecia'. 'Aprecio' is only the noun or the 'I' form of the verb.

principio

/prin-SEE-pee-oh//pɾinˈθi.pjo/

nounB1general
Use 'principio' when referring to a fundamental belief, moral standard, or rule that guides behavior.
A single, thick, ancient stone pillar standing firmly upright on a flat, solid ground, symbolizing an unshakeable principle or rule.

Examples

Es una mujer de principios firmes.

She is a woman of firm principles.

No lo haré, va en contra de mis principios.

I won't do it, it goes against my principles.

El principio de la gravedad explica por qué las cosas caen.

The principle of gravity explains why things fall.

valía

nounB2general
Use 'valía' to describe the inherent quality or merit that makes someone or something valuable and highly regarded.

Examples

Es una profesional de gran valía para nuestra empresa.

She is a professional of great worth to our company.

Valor vs. Precio vs. Importe

The most common mistake is confusing 'valor,' 'precio,' and 'importe.' Remember that 'importe' is strictly for monetary amounts, 'precio' is the cost or abstract price, and 'valor' is a broader term for worth or significance. Use 'valor' for general importance and 'precio' when a sacrifice or cost is implied.

Related Translations

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