How to Say "It Costs" in Spanish: A Complete Guide - HowToSayGuide (2024)

Greetings! Are you eager to expand your Spanish vocabulary and learn how to express the cost of different items or services? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “it costs” in Spanish, including both formal and informal phrases. We’ll provide helpful tips, examples, and even touch on some regional variations. Get ready to impress others with your newfound linguistic skills!

Formal Ways to Say “It Costs” in Spanish

When addressing someone in a formal context, such as a professional setting or when speaking to someone older than you, it is essential to utilize appropriate language. Here are some formal ways to express the cost:

“¿Cuánto cuesta?” – How much does it cost?

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This is the most common formal phrase to ask about the price of something in Spanish. It is polite and widely used across Spanish-speaking countries. To adapt it to a specific item, you can mention the item before the question:

“¿Cuánto cuesta el libro?” – How much does the book cost?

Remember to adjust the noun (e.g., “libro” for book) according to the item you wish to inquire about.

Informal Ways to Say “It Costs” in Spanish

When conversing with friends, family, or peers, you can adopt a more relaxed and colloquial tone. Here are some informal alternatives to express the cost in Spanish:

“¿Cuánto vale?” – How much is it worth?

This expression is commonly used in informal contexts when discussing prices. You can also specify the item or service you are referring to:

“¿Cuánto vale la entrada?” – How much is the ticket?

By replacing “entrada” (ticket) with the desired item, you can easily adapt this phrase to various situations.

Another informal way to inquire about the cost is by using the verb “costar” (to cost) combined with a pronoun:

“¿Cuánto me cuesta?” – How much does it cost me?

“¿Cuánto te cuesta?” – How much does it cost you?

“¿Cuánto le cuesta?” – How much does it cost him/her?

These variations allow you to specify the person affected by the cost. For example, if you want to ask how much a meal costs you, simply say: “¿Cuánto me cuesta la comida?”

Regional Variations

While most Spanish-speaking countries use the expressions mentioned above, there are some regional variations worth noting. In certain areas, these phrases may be interchanged with other local vocabulary. Let’s take a quick look at some examples:

• Mexico: Instead of “¿Cuánto cuesta?” or “¿Cuánto vale?”, you may hear “¿Cuánto sale?” which means “How much does it go for?”
• Argentina: In Argentina, they often use “¿Cuánto sale?” as well, but you might also come across the term “¿Cuánto está?” meaning “How much is it?”

These variations are minor and shouldn’t cause any confusion. However, keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to adapt to the local expressions when traveling or interacting with native speakers.

Additional Tips for Saying “It Costs” in Spanish

Now that you have learned some key phrases, here are a few additional tips to enhance your language skills:

1. Practice Pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of each phrase by listening to audio or seeking guidance from native speakers. This will help you sound more natural and confident.
2. Politeness Matters: When in doubt about which expression to use, it’s always safer to opt for a more formal approach. It’s better to be overly polite than to inadvertently offend someone with overly familiar language.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary: While asking about the cost is useful, also learn vocabulary related to numbers, prices, and currency. This will allow you to understand responses and engage in more in-depth conversations about costs.
4. Practice in Real-Life Situations: To solidify your grasp of these phrases, try using them in realistic scenarios. Visit local markets, ask about prices, and engage in conversations about costs whenever possible.

Remember, language learning takes time, so be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. As you become more confident in expressing the cost in Spanish, you’ll also deepen your understanding of Spanish culture and connect more authentically with Spanish speakers.

¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)