Expensive In Spanish: How To Say It Correctly

In Spanish, there are several ways to express the concept of something being "expensive." The word choice often depends on the context, regional dialect, and level of formality. Whether you're shopping, dining, or negotiating prices, understanding the various expressions for "expensive" in Spanish can help you communicate more effectively.

Caro: The Most Common Translation of Expensive

The most common translation of "expensive" in Spanish is "caro." This adjective is widely used in Spain and Latin America to describe something that is costly or has a high price.

El hotel es caro. (The hotel is expensive.)
Me parece caro para lo que ofrece. (It seems expensive to me for what it offers.)

Caro vs. Costoso: Subtle Differences

While "caro" is the most common translation of "expensive," there is another adjective that can convey a similar meaning: "costoso." The main difference between the two lies in their connotations.

"Caro" often implies that something is expensive in a more general sense.
"Costoso," on the other hand, suggests that something is expensive due to the high cost of production, materials, or maintenance.
El reloj es caro. (The watch is expensive.)
La atención médica de alta calidad es costosa. (High-quality medical care is expensive.)

Other Ways to Express Expensive in Spanish

In addition to "caro" and "costoso," there are other expressions that can convey the idea of something being expensive in Spanish.

Costar un ojo de la cara: This idiom literally translates to "to cost an eye from the face" and is used to describe something that is extremely expensive.
Salir caro: This phrase is used to describe a situation where something ends up being more expensive than expected.
Poner precio alto: This expression is used to describe a situation where someone sets a high price for something.
El nuevo smartphone cuesta un ojo de la cara. (The new smartphone costs an arm and a leg.)
Salir caro de comprar un coche nuevo. (It's expensive to buy a new car.)
Puso precio alto para el servicio. (He set a high price for the service.)

Regional Variations and Idioms

Like any language, Spanish has its regional variations and idioms when it comes to expressing the concept of something being expensive.

In some Latin American countries, the word "bacán" is used to describe something that is expensive or of high quality.
In Spain, the phrase " gastar un dineral" is used to describe a situation where someone spends a lot of money.
Este reloj es bacán. (This watch is expensive.)
Gasté un dineral en ropa nueva. (I spent a fortune on new clothes.)

Conclusion and Call to Action

In conclusion, learning how to say "expensive" in Spanish can be a valuable skill for anyone interested in communicating effectively in the language. By mastering the various expressions and idioms for "expensive," you can improve your Spanish language skills and navigate everyday situations with confidence.

So, the next time you're shopping or dining in a Spanish-speaking country, don't be afraid to use the expressions you've learned to describe something that's expensive. With practice and patience, you'll become proficient in no time!

We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite Spanish expressions for "expensive" in the comments below.

Gallery of Spanish Expensive Images

Spanish Expensive Image Gallery