valer
Lemma Details
Translation: to be worth; to cost; to be valid; to matter; to avail
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'valēre' meaning 'to be strong, to be worth'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'value', 'valor', 'valiant', 'valid', and 'equivalent'. The core meaning of strength or power evolved into the concept of worth or value in Spanish.
Commonality: 85%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Este coche vale mucho dinero.
This car is worth a lot of money.
¿Cuánto vale ese libro?
How much does that book cost?
No vale la pena preocuparse tanto.
It's not worth worrying so much.
Este cupón vale hasta el viernes.
This coupon is valid until Friday.
Me valí de su ayuda para terminar el proyecto.
I made use of his help to finish the project.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'value' in English - things that have value are worth something.
- Remember 'valor' (courage) - both come from the same Latin root meaning 'strength'.
- The phrase 'vale la pena' literally means 'it's worth the pain/trouble'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
The expression '¡Vale!' is extremely common in Spain as a way to say 'OK' or 'agreed'. In Latin America, this usage is less common. The concept of 'valer la pena' (to be worth the trouble) is central to Spanish decision-making discourse.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'valer' means 'to be worth' or 'to cost', 'valorar' means 'to value' or 'to appreciate' something. 'Valer' is about inherent worth, while 'valorar' is about the act of assessing or appreciating worth.
Notes: 'Valer' is intransitive when referring to worth, while 'valorar' is always transitive, requiring a direct object.
Mnemonic: 'Valorar' has an extra syllable and means taking an extra action - to assess or appreciate value.
Explanation: 'Valer' focuses on inherent worth or value, while 'costar' specifically refers to price or cost. 'Costar' can also refer to effort or difficulty ('costar trabajo').
Confused word:
El libro cuesta veinte euros.
The book costs twenty euros.
Notes: 'Valer' has broader applications beyond monetary value, while 'costar' is more specific to price or effort required.
Mnemonic: Think of 'costar' as related to 'cost' in English - specifically about price.