Inklingo

How to Say "worthwhile" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “worthwhile” is “deseable” — use this when 'worthwhile' means something is good to have or highly sought after, emphasizing its desirability.

English → Spanish

deseable

deh-seh-AH-blehdeseˈaβle

adjectiveB1general
Use this when 'worthwhile' means something is good to have or highly sought after, emphasizing its desirability.
A high-quality illustration of a shiny golden trophy resting on a plush red cushion.

Examples

Tener una buena educación es algo muy deseable.

Having a good education is something very desirable.

No es deseable que los niños pasen tanto tiempo frente a la pantalla.

It is not desirable for children to spend so much time in front of a screen.

Encontramos una solución que es deseable para ambas partes.

We found a solution that is desirable for both parties.

One Form for All

This word ends in -e, which means it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (el resultado deseable) or a feminine noun (la opción deseable).

Describing Possibilities

When you use this word with 'que' (e.g., 'Es deseable que...'), the verb that follows usually changes its ending to show that you are talking about a wish or a possibility, not a cold fact.

Deseable vs. Deseado

Mistake: “Using 'un efecto deseado' when you mean it is worth wanting.”

Correction: Use 'deseado' for something that is already wanted/longed for, and 'deseable' for something that is simply worth having or a good idea.

valioso

vah-lee-OH-sohbaˈljo.so

adjectiveB1general
Use this when 'worthwhile' refers to an effort, experience, or possession that has significant personal or intrinsic value.
A smiling gardener holding a small watering can, looking proudly at a large, flourishing potted plant filled with vibrant, colorful flowers.

Examples

Tu amistad es lo más valioso que tengo.

Your friendship is the most valuable thing I have.

La experiencia que adquirimos fue muy valiosa para el proyecto.

The experience we gained was very worthwhile for the project.

El tiempo que pasamos juntos es valioso e irremplazable.

The time we spend together is precious and irreplaceable.

Describing Abstract Nouns

This meaning is often used with abstract things like 'tiempo' (time), 'esfuerzo' (effort), 'opinión' (opinion), and 'amistad' (friendship). It works the same way as the first meaning, ensuring the ending matches the abstract noun.

rentable

rren-TAH-blehrenˈtaβle

adjectiveB2general
Use this when 'worthwhile' specifically relates to whether an action or endeavor is profitable or yields sufficient benefit for the time or effort invested.
A happy gardener standing next to a tall, healthy plant with large green leaves and bright flowers.

Examples

No me es rentable ir hasta allí para una reunión de diez minutos.

It's not worth it for me to go all the way there for a ten-minute meeting.

A veces, reparar un móvil viejo no resulta rentable.

Sometimes, repairing an old mobile phone isn't worthwhile.

Abstract Value

You can use this word even when no money is involved, focusing on whether your 'time' or 'energy' is being spent wisely.

interesante

in-teh-reh-SAN-tehinteɾeˈsante

adjectiveB1general
Use this when 'worthwhile' implies a good deal, a favorable outcome, or a beneficial offer, often in a financial or transactional context.
A broadly smiling person holding a large, overflowing sack of shiny gold coins, symbolizing a beneficial and favorable deal.

Examples

El banco nos ofreció un tipo de interés muy interesante.

The bank offered us a very favorable interest rate.

Es una oferta interesante, pero tengo que pensarlo.

It's a worthwhile offer, but I have to think about it.

Encontramos la casa a un precio bastante interesante.

We found the house at a pretty advantageous price.

Choosing between 'rentable' and 'valioso'

Learners often confuse 'rentable' and 'valioso'. Remember that 'rentable' focuses on the return on investment of time or effort (is it worth the trouble?), while 'valioso' emphasizes the inherent worth or importance of the experience or thing itself.

Related Translations

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