caro
When you're learning Spanish, you'll find words that are similar to English words, but sometimes the meanings aren't exactly the same. A great example of this is the word "caro."
The main meaning of "caro" is expensive. So, if you're talking about something with a high price, you would use "caro."
For example, if a car costs a lot, you could say "el coche es caro." Or if a meal at a restaurant is pricey, you'd say "la comida es cara."
When you're shopping in a Spanish-speaking country, you'll hear the word "caro" a lot. It means expensive. For example, if a shirt costs a lot, you would say "Esta camisa es muy cara." (This shirt is very expensive.)
You can also use "caro" to talk about something being dear or costly in a figurative sense, like a difficult decision. Remember that "caro" changes its ending to match the noun it describes: caro (masculine singular), cara (feminine singular), caros (masculine plural), and caras (feminine plural).
When you're talking about something costing a lot, use caro. For example, if a car costs a lot of money, you'd say "El coche es muy caro." This is the most common and direct translation of "expensive."
However, caro can also mean that something is dear or beloved to you, like a person. You might hear someone say "¡Mi hijo, qué caro eres para mí!" meaning "My son, how dear you are to me!" This usage is less common in everyday conversation for objects, but it's good to be aware of.
When something is "caro," it means it costs a lot of money. Think of a fancy restaurant meal or a new smartphone – those are often "caro." It's the opposite of "barato" (cheap). You can use it for anything from clothes to cars to groceries. It's a very common and practical word in everyday Spanish conversation.
caro في 30 ثانية
- Use 'caro' to describe something that costs a lot of money.
- It can also mean 'dear' or 'beloved' when referring to people or things with sentimental value.
- Remember it changes form based on gender and number: caro, cara, caros, caras.
§ Understanding "Caro"
You're learning Spanish, and that's great! Let's get straight to it. The word we're focusing on is caro. It's an adjective, and it's super common. The main thing you need to know is that it means 'expensive'. Simple, right? But like many words, it has a little more to it than just that one meaning. We'll cover how to use it correctly in different situations, so you'll sound more natural when you speak.
- Definition
- Primary meaning: expensive. It can also mean 'dear' or 'costly' in a more general sense.
§ "Caro" at Work
In a professional setting, you'll often hear caro when discussing budgets, prices, or investments. It's a straightforward way to say something costs a lot.
When talking about products or services:
Este software es muy caro para nuestra pequeña empresa.
This software is very expensive for our small company.
When discussing project costs:
La instalación de estos equipos resultó ser más cara de lo esperado.
The installation of this equipment turned out to be more expensive than expected.
§ "Caro" in School
Students and teachers use caro all the time, especially when complaining about textbooks or tuition fees. It's practical language.
Referring to educational materials:
Los libros de texto universitarios son siempre muy caros.
University textbooks are always very expensive.
Discussing school trips or programs:
Ese viaje de estudios a España es un poco caro para mi presupuesto.
That study trip to Spain is a bit expensive for my budget.
§ "Caro" in the News
News reports frequently use caro when talking about economic situations, cost of living, or prices of goods. It's a clear and direct way to convey information about costs.
Reporting on prices:
La vivienda en las grandes ciudades se ha vuelto muy cara.
Housing in big cities has become very expensive.
Discussing the economy:
El costo de vida es cada vez más caro para las familias.
The cost of living is increasingly expensive for families.
As you can see, caro is a versatile word that pops up in many contexts. Paying attention to how it's used in these everyday situations will help you internalize its meaning and use it correctly yourself.
§ Don't confuse 'caro' with 'expensive' always
The most common mistake English speakers make with caro is thinking it ONLY means expensive. While that's its main meaning, especially for objects and services, it has other important uses you need to know to sound natural in Spanish.
§ Using 'caro' for people
You might be tempted to say "Eres muy caro" to mean "You are very expensive" (as in, high-maintenance), but this sounds incredibly awkward and often wrong in Spanish. While technically it could mean something like 'you're too costly to deal with', it's not a natural or common expression. Instead, think about the context.
- DEFINITION
- When referring to people, 'caro' often means 'dear' or 'beloved'. It's used in affectionate contexts.
Mi cara amiga, ¿cómo estás?
In this example, cara amiga means "dear friend," not "expensive friend." It's a term of endearment. You'll see this often in letters or formal greetings, but also in casual speech among close friends or family. It's a common mistake to overlook this meaning.
§ Incorrect agreement with gender and number
Remember, caro is an adjective. That means it must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun it modifies. This is a fundamental Spanish grammar rule, but easy to forget when you're focusing on vocabulary.
- Singular Masculine: caro (el coche caro - the expensive car)
- Singular Feminine: cara (la casa cara - the expensive house)
- Plural Masculine: caros (los zapatos caros - the expensive shoes)
- Plural Feminine: caras (las joyas caras - the expensive jewels)
Compramos unas sillas muy caras.
Here, sillas (chairs) is feminine plural, so caras is used. A common mistake would be to say "sillas muy caro" – this is grammatically incorrect. Always double-check the noun's gender and number.
§ Not using 'ser' with 'caro'
When describing something as expensive (a characteristic), you nearly always use the verb ser, not estar. This is another common pitfall for English speakers, as both mean "to be."
- DEFINITION
- 'Ser' is for inherent qualities or definitions, while 'estar' is for states or conditions (like temporary feelings or locations).
El reloj es muy caro.
This means "The watch IS very expensive" (it's its nature to be expensive). If you said "El reloj está muy caro," it would imply a temporary state, like perhaps it's usually cheaper but is expensive right now due to a sale or specific circumstance, which is less common when describing general cost. Stick to ser for 'expensive'.
How Formal Is It?
"La adquisición de dicho inmueble resultó ser sumamente costosa."
"Este reloj es bastante caro."
"Ese viaje nos costó un ojo de la cara."
"Ese juguete cuesta mucho dinero."
"Comprar ese piso me costó la pasta gansa."
دليل النطق
- pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r'
أمثلة حسب المستوى
El coche es muy caro.
The car is very expensive.
Esta camisa es cara.
This shirt is expensive.
Los zapatos son caros.
The shoes are expensive.
Las entradas son caras.
The tickets are expensive.
¿Es caro el café?
Is the coffee expensive?
No, no es muy caro.
No, it's not very expensive.
Ese restaurante es caro.
That restaurant is expensive.
Una casa grande es cara.
A big house is expensive.
Ese coche es muy caro.
That car is very expensive.
Here 'caro' is used as an adjective describing the noun 'coche' (car).
¿Es caro este vestido?
Is this dress expensive?
'Caro' agrees in gender and number with 'vestido' (dress).
No quiero comprar algo caro.
I don't want to buy something expensive.
Used as an adjective following the indefinite pronoun 'algo'.
La cena fue un poco cara.
Dinner was a little expensive.
'Cara' agrees with 'cena' (dinner), which is feminine.
Los boletos son caros en verano.
Tickets are expensive in summer.
'Caros' is plural and masculine, agreeing with 'boletos' (tickets).
Esta tienda tiene cosas caras.
This store has expensive things.
'Caras' is plural and feminine, agreeing with 'cosas' (things).
Prefiero ropa barata, no cara.
I prefer cheap clothes, not expensive.
Here 'cara' is used in contrast to 'barata' (cheap).
A veces, la calidad es cara.
Sometimes, quality is expensive.
Used to describe an abstract noun 'calidad' (quality), which is feminine.
Comprar un coche nuevo puede ser muy caro hoy en día.
Buying a new car can be very expensive nowadays.
Here 'caro' modifies 'coche' (car), which is masculine singular, so 'caro' is also masculine singular.
Esa chaqueta de cuero es bonita, pero es demasiado cara para mi presupuesto.
That leather jacket is nice, but it's too expensive for my budget.
'Cara' modifies 'chaqueta' (jacket), which is feminine singular. Note the use of 'demasiado' (too) before 'cara'.
Los billetes de avión a Europa están muy caros en temporada alta.
Plane tickets to Europe are very expensive in high season.
'Caros' modifies 'billetes' (tickets), which is masculine plural. 'Están' is used because the expense is a temporary state.
No quiero comer en ese restaurante; sus platos son bastante caros.
I don't want to eat at that restaurant; its dishes are quite expensive.
'Caros' modifies 'platos' (dishes), masculine plural. 'Bastante' (quite) indicates a moderate degree of expense.
Aunque la educación privada es cara, a veces ofrece ventajas significativas.
Although private education is expensive, sometimes it offers significant advantages.
'Cara' modifies 'educación' (education), feminine singular. 'Aunque' (although) introduces a concession.
Para ahorrar dinero, evito comprar productos electrónicos caros a menos que sea necesario.
To save money, I avoid buying expensive electronic products unless it's necessary.
'Caros' modifies 'productos electrónicos' (electronic products), masculine plural. 'A menos que' (unless) introduces a condition.
La reparación del tejado resultó ser mucho más cara de lo que esperábamos.
The roof repair turned out to be much more expensive than we expected.
'Cara' modifies 'reparación' (repair), feminine singular. 'Mucho más' (much more) intensifies the adjective.
En esta tienda, los productos orgánicos suelen ser más caros que los convencionales.
In this store, organic products are usually more expensive than conventional ones.
'Caros' modifies 'productos orgánicos' (organic products), masculine plural. 'Suelen ser' (they tend to be) indicates a habitual action.
Aunque el restaurante era muy caro, la comida y el ambiente valieron cada céntimo. (CEFR C1)
Although the restaurant was very expensive, the food and atmosphere were worth every penny.
Here 'caro' is used in its primary sense of 'expensive' and agrees with 'restaurante' (masculine singular).
Compró un reloj antiguo que resultó ser muy caro, pero una excelente inversión a largo plazo. (CEFR C1)
He bought an antique watch that turned out to be very expensive, but an excellent long-term investment.
'Caro' modifies 'reloj' and maintains its masculine singular form. The context implies financial value.
Para nuestra sorpresa, el billete de avión a las islas resultó más caro de lo esperado debido a la temporada alta. (CEFR C1)
To our surprise, the plane ticket to the islands turned out to be more expensive than expected due to the high season.
'Caro' agrees with 'billete de avión' (masculine singular). 'Más caro de lo esperado' is a comparative structure.
Decidimos no comprar el coche nuevo porque el seguro anual era demasiado caro para nuestro presupuesto. (CEFR C1)
We decided not to buy the new car because the annual insurance was too expensive for our budget.
'Caro' modifies 'seguro anual' and matches its masculine singular form. 'Demasiado caro' emphasizes the high cost.
Muchos vinos de la región son bastante caros, pero su calidad es indiscutible. (CEFR C1)
Many wines from the region are quite expensive, but their quality is undeniable.
'Caros' is in the masculine plural to agree with 'vinos'. 'Bastante caros' indicates a significant expense.
La reparación de la tubería rota fue increíblemente cara, dejándonos con una factura considerable. (CEFR C1)
The repair of the broken pipe was incredibly expensive, leaving us with a considerable bill.
'Cara' is in the feminine singular to agree with 'reparación'. 'Increíblemente cara' uses an adverb for emphasis.
Aunque la educación privada puede ser muy cara, muchos padres creen que vale la pena la inversión. (CEFR C1)
Although private education can be very expensive, many parents believe it's worth the investment.
'Cara' agrees with 'educación privada' (feminine singular). The sentence discusses the cost versus value.
El nuevo sistema de calefacción era un poco caro al principio, pero prometía ahorros a largo plazo. (CEFR C1)
The new heating system was a bit expensive at first, but it promised long-term savings.
'Caro' agrees with 'sistema de calefacción' (masculine singular, despite ending in -a). 'Un poco caro' softens the degree of expense.
¡Qué coche tan caro te has comprado! Espero que valga la pena la inversión.
What an expensive car you've bought! I hope the investment is worth it.
Using 'qué' + noun + 'tan' + adjective for emphasis on how expensive something is.
Aunque el restaurante era muy caro, la experiencia culinaria fue inolvidable.
Even though the restaurant was very expensive, the culinary experience was unforgettable.
'Aunque' meaning 'although' or 'even though', introducing a contrasting idea.
No puedo permitirme ese apartamento, es demasiado caro para mi presupuesto.
I can't afford that apartment, it's too expensive for my budget.
'Demasiado' meaning 'too much' or 'too', indicating an excessive amount.
Subir los precios de los productos básicos hace que la vida sea más cara para todos.
Raising the prices of basic products makes life more expensive for everyone.
Comparing 'más cara' (more expensive) in relation to a general situation.
Después de la renovación, la casa quedó espectacular, pero el proyecto resultó ser bastante caro.
After the renovation, the house looked spectacular, but the project turned out to be quite expensive.
'Bastante' meaning 'quite' or 'fairly', indicating a moderate degree of expense.
La calidad de los materiales justifica que el artículo sea un poco caro.
The quality of the materials justifies the item being a little expensive.
'Justifica que' followed by the subjunctive ('sea') when expressing justification or reason.
A veces lo barato sale caro, es mejor invertir en algo de buena calidad.
Sometimes cheap ends up expensive, it's better to invest in something of good quality.
A common saying, 'lo barato sale caro' meaning 'you get what you pay for' or 'cheap can be expensive'.
El seguro del coche es carísimo en esta ciudad, no sé si podré mantenerlo.
Car insurance is extremely expensive in this city, I don't know if I'll be able to keep it.
Using the superlative ending '-ísimo' for 'caro' to mean 'extremely expensive'.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
Este reloj es muy caro.
This watch is very expensive.
¿No crees que es demasiado caro?
Don't you think it's too expensive?
La ciudad de Nueva York es muy cara.
New York City is very expensive.
No puedo comprarlo, es demasiado caro.
I can't buy it, it's too expensive.
El alquiler aquí es bastante caro.
The rent here is quite expensive.
Me parece un poco caro para lo que es.
It seems a little expensive to me for what it is.
Los hoteles de lujo son siempre muy caros.
Luxury hotels are always very expensive.
No quiero nada caro, solo algo funcional.
I don't want anything expensive, just something functional.
Su vestido era muy caro y elegante.
Her dress was very expensive and elegant.
Todo está caro en esta tienda.
Everything is expensive in this store.
يُخلط عادةً مع
This is the direct opposite of 'caro' (expensive). Learners should know this antonym immediately.
The verb 'costar' (to cost) is directly related to the concept of price and expense, which 'caro' describes.
The verb 'querer' (to want; to love) is related to the affectionate meaning of 'caro' (dear) through its derivative 'querido'.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
"Eso me sale caro."
That's expensive for me. / That's going to cost me.
Si tengo que comprar un coche nuevo, eso me sale caro. (If I have to buy a new car, that's going to cost me.)
neutral"Pagar caro por algo."
To pay dearly for something. (Often used figuratively, meaning to suffer consequences)
Pagó caro por sus errores del pasado. (He paid dearly for his past mistakes.)
neutral"No te hagas el caro."
Don't play hard to get. / Don't pretend you're expensive/unattainable.
Sé que quieres venir, no te hagas el caro. (I know you want to come, don't play hard to get.)
informal"Me sale caro el chiste."
The joke is on me. / It's costing me dearly (often due to a mistake or bad decision).
Se me rompió el teléfono nuevo, me sale caro el chiste. (My new phone broke, the joke's on me / it's costing me dearly.)
informal"Tener algo por caro."
To consider something expensive.
Ella tiene por caro el precio de la entrada al concierto. (She considers the concert ticket price expensive.)
formal"Ser muy caro en algo."
To be very particular/demanding about something.
Él es muy caro en sus gustos culinarios. (He is very particular about his culinary tastes.)
neutral"Salirle caro a uno."
To have negative consequences for someone.
Mentirle a tu jefe te va a salir caro. (Lying to your boss is going to have negative consequences for you.)
neutral"Un caro precio a pagar."
A high price to pay. (Figurative, for a sacrifice or consequence)
La fama puede ser un caro precio a pagar por la privacidad. (Fame can be a high price to pay for privacy.)
neutral"No hay cosa más cara que la que se regala."
There is nothing more expensive than what is given away for free. (Meaning: something free often comes with hidden costs or obligations)
Recibió un préstamo sin intereses, pero tuvo que hacer un favor muy grande. No hay cosa más cara que la que se regala. (He received an interest-free loan, but had to do a very big favor. There's nothing more expensive than what's given away for free.)
neutral"Lo caro no siempre es lo mejor."
Expensive isn't always best.
Compré el teléfono más caro y se rompió pronto. Lo caro no siempre es lo mejor. (I bought the most expensive phone and it broke quickly. Expensive isn't always best.)
neutralسهل الخلط
'caro' can mean both 'expensive' and 'dear/beloved'. This can be confusing because the same word has two distinct meanings depending on context.
When referring to price, 'caro' means expensive. When referring to a person, 'caro/a' means dear or beloved.
Este coche es muy caro. (This car is very expensive.) Mi amigo es muy caro para mí. (My friend is very dear to me.)
Both 'caro' and 'costoso' mean 'expensive'. Learners might wonder if there's a difference in nuance.
'Costoso' generally refers more directly to the high cost or expense, often implying a significant financial outlay. 'Caro' is a more common and general term for expensive.
La construcción de este edificio fue muy costosa. (The construction of this building was very costly.) Ese restaurante es muy caro. (That restaurant is very expensive.)
'Valioso' means valuable, which can sometimes be linked to something being expensive. However, something valuable isn't always expensive, and something expensive isn't always valuable in a non-monetary sense.
'Valioso' refers to worth or value, which can be monetary or intrinsic. 'Caro' strictly refers to a high price.
Este reloj es muy valioso, es una herencia. (This watch is very valuable, it's an heirloom.) Aunque es caro, no es valioso para mí. (Although it's expensive, it's not valuable to me.)
Like 'caro', 'querido/a' means dear or beloved. This overlap in meaning can lead to confusion when 'caro' is used in its 'dear' sense.
'Querido' is more universally used to express affection or endearment towards people. While 'caro' can also mean dear, it's less common in this context than 'querido' and more likely to be used for things or in specific idiomatic expressions.
Mi querido amigo, ¿cómo estás? (My dear friend, how are you?) Ella es una persona muy querida por todos. (She is a person very beloved by everyone.)
'Apreciado' also means valued or appreciated, which can be confused with the 'dear' or 'valuable' meanings of 'caro' and 'valioso'.
'Apreciado' implies that something or someone is held in high regard or esteem. It's often used in formal contexts or to express gratitude. 'Caro' in its 'dear' sense is more personal.
Su ayuda fue muy apreciada. (Your help was much appreciated.) Es un colega muy apreciado en la oficina. (He is a very valued colleague in the office.)
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
نصائح
Basic Meaning of 'Caro'
The most common meaning of caro is expensive. This is what you'll use most often when talking about prices.
Gender and Number Agreement
Like all Spanish adjectives, caro changes to match the noun it describes.
- el coche caro (the expensive car)
- la casa cara (the expensive house)
- los coches caros (the expensive cars)
- las casas caras (the expensive houses)
Using 'Muy' with 'Caro'
To say very expensive, use muy caro. For example, Este vestido es muy caro. (This dress is very expensive.)
Antonym: 'Barato'
The opposite of caro (expensive) is barato (cheap/inexpensive). Knowing antonyms helps you remember both words. Example: No es caro, es barato. (It's not expensive, it's cheap.)
Asking about Price
You can use caro when asking if something is expensive. ¿Es caro? (Is it expensive?). Or, ¿Por qué es tan caro? (Why is it so expensive?)
Regional Price Perceptions
What is considered expensive can vary by region. Be aware that prices can differ significantly in Spanish-speaking countries.
Beyond Price: 'Dear'
While less common in everyday price talk, caro can also mean dear or beloved, especially in formal letters. For example, Querido/a [nombre] or Estimado/a [nombre] are more common, but Mi caro amigo (My dear friend) is also possible, though a bit older-fashioned.
Common Phrase: 'Pagar caro'
The phrase pagar caro means to pay a high price, often figuratively, like paying a heavy consequence. Example: Él pagó caro sus errores. (He paid dearly for his mistakes.)
Don't Confuse with 'Coche'
Be careful not to confuse caro with coche, which means car. They sound a bit similar but have completely different meanings.
Using 'Qué caro!'
When expressing surprise about a high price, you can exclaim: ¡Qué caro! (How expensive!) or ¡Qué cara es la vida! (How expensive life is!)
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Shopping for clothes
- Esta camisa es muy cara.
- No quiero comprar algo tan caro.
- ¿Hay algo menos caro?
Ordering food at a restaurant
- Ese plato es un poco caro para mí.
- Los mariscos suelen ser más caros.
- ¿Qué es lo menos caro del menú?
Discussing travel or housing
- Viajar en avión es caro.
- Los hoteles en el centro son muy caros.
- Alquilar un apartamento aquí es caro.
Talking about services or repairs
- Reparar el coche fue muy caro.
- Los servicios de plomería son caros.
- Me parece un poco caro el corte de pelo.
Comparing prices
- Este modelo es más caro que el otro.
- ¿Cuál es el más caro de los dos?
- No es tan caro como pensé.
بدايات محادثة
"¿Qué fue lo último caro que compraste?"
"¿Crees que la vida en tu ciudad es cara?"
"¿Qué tipo de cosas consideras que son demasiado caras?"
"¿Has comprado algo caro que al final no valió la pena?"
"¿Hay algo caro que te gustaría tener?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Describe una experiencia en la que compraste algo caro y te arrepentiste.
Escribe sobre algo caro que te parezca una buena inversión.
Imagina que tienes un presupuesto limitado. ¿Qué evitarías comprar porque es caro?
Reflexiona sobre cómo el precio (caro o barato) influye en tus decisiones de compra.
¿Qué piensas sobre la idea de 'calidad cara' frente a 'calidad barata'?
اختبر نفسك 96 أسئلة
The car is very expensive.
Is the coffee expensive here?
I don't want to buy something expensive.
Read this aloud:
El teléfono es caro.
Focus: ca-ro
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Esta camisa no es cara.
Focus: ca-ra
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
¿Cuánto cuesta? ¿Es caro?
Focus: cues-ta, ca-ro
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a sentence describing an expensive car. Use the word "caro".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El coche es muy caro.
Imagine you are shopping. Write a sentence saying that a shirt is expensive. Use "camisa" and "cara".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La camisa es cara.
Write a short sentence about something that is not expensive. Use "no es caro/cara".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El libro no es caro.
¿Por qué María no compra el vestido?
Read this passage:
María va de compras. Ve un vestido rojo muy bonito. Pero es muy caro. Ella no lo compra.
¿Por qué María no compra el vestido?
The passage says 'Pero es muy caro. Ella no lo compra.' (But it is very expensive. She doesn't buy it.)
The passage says 'Pero es muy caro. Ella no lo compra.' (But it is very expensive. She doesn't buy it.)
¿Qué tipo de teléfono quiere la persona?
Read this passage:
Este teléfono es caro. Cuesta mucho dinero. Yo quiero un teléfono más barato.
¿Qué tipo de teléfono quiere la persona?
The passage states 'Yo quiero un teléfono más barato.' (I want a cheaper phone.)
The passage states 'Yo quiero un teléfono más barato.' (I want a cheaper phone.)
¿Por qué la casa es cara?
Read this passage:
La casa es muy grande y tiene una piscina. Por eso, la casa es cara. No muchas personas pueden comprarla.
¿Por qué la casa es cara?
The passage mentions 'tiene una piscina. Por eso, la casa es cara.' (it has a pool. For that reason, the house is expensive.)
The passage mentions 'tiene una piscina. Por eso, la casa es cara.' (it has a pool. For that reason, the house is expensive.)
The correct order forms a common Spanish sentence: 'This phone is very expensive.'
The correct order forms a common Spanish sentence: 'The clothes here are expensive.'
The correct order forms a common Spanish sentence: 'It is an expensive book.'
Este reloj es muy ___. Cuesta mucho dinero.
The sentence indicates the watch costs a lot of money, so 'caro' (expensive) is the correct word.
No puedo comprar ese coche; es demasiado ___. Necesito algo más económico.
The speaker can't buy the car because they need something more economical, implying the car is 'caro' (expensive).
La cena en este restaurante es bastante ___, pero la comida es deliciosa.
The food is delicious, but the cost is implied to be high, so 'cara' (expensive) is the fit. 'Cena' is feminine, so 'cara' is used.
Ellos no fueron de vacaciones porque el viaje era muy ___. Prefirieron quedarse en casa.
They stayed home because the trip was 'caro' (expensive).
Comprar una casa nueva es muy ___. Es una inversión grande.
Buying a new house is a big investment, therefore it is 'caro' (expensive).
Esa camisa es muy ___. ¿Tienes algo más barato?
The speaker is asking for something cheaper, meaning the shirt is 'cara' (expensive). 'Camisa' is feminine, so 'cara' is used.
Which of these words is the opposite of 'caro'?
The opposite of 'expensive' is 'cheap'. 'Barato' means cheap.
If something costs a lot of money, you would describe it as:
'Caro' means expensive, which describes something that costs a lot of money.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'El café en esta tienda es muy _______.'
If the coffee costs a lot, 'caro' (expensive) is the correct word.
If something is 'caro', it means it is cheap.
'Caro' means expensive, not cheap.
You can use 'caro' to describe a very expensive meal.
'Caro' is used to describe something that costs a lot of money, like an expensive meal.
The word 'caro' is only used for cars.
'Caro' can be used for any noun to describe it as expensive, not just cars.
The correct order is 'This car is very expensive.'
The correct order is 'Why is this blouse so expensive?'
The correct order is 'It is not an expensive restaurant.'
Choose the best translation for 'expensive' in this sentence: 'Este coche es muy caro.'
'Caro' means expensive when referring to cost.
Which of these words is an antonym for 'caro' (expensive)?
'Barato' means cheap, which is the opposite of expensive.
If something is 'muy caro', what does that mean?
'Muy' means very, so 'muy caro' means very expensive.
If you say 'La comida en ese restaurante es cara,' you mean the food is cheap.
'Cara' (feminine form of 'caro') means expensive, so the statement implies the food is expensive, not cheap.
The word 'caro' can be used to describe both objects and services that cost a lot of money.
'Caro' can refer to anything that has a high price, whether it's a physical item or a service.
If a friend says, '¡Qué caro eres!', they are complimenting your generosity.
While 'caro' can sometimes mean dear in terms of affection, in the context of cost, it means expensive. Saying '¡Qué caro eres!' could imply someone is being stingy or demanding a high price for something, not generous.
The car is too expensive for my budget.
Do you think this restaurant is expensive?
I don't want to buy something so expensive if I can find something similar cheaper.
Read this aloud:
Este reloj es muy caro, pero es de buena calidad.
Focus: caro, calidad
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Normalmente, las joyas son caras, ¿verdad?
Focus: joyas, caras
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Aunque el viaje fue caro, valió la pena.
Focus: caro, valió
قلت:
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This sentence means 'It is very expensive to travel in first class.' The word order follows a common Spanish sentence structure.
This sentence means 'She has an expensive gold necklace.' 'Caro' as an adjective usually comes after the noun it describes.
This translates to 'For me, health is priceless, it is the most valuable/dear thing.' Here, 'caro' is used in a more abstract sense.
El coste de vida en las grandes ciudades puede ser bastante ___, lo que dificulta a muchos jóvenes independizarse.
The sentence discusses the difficulty for young people to become independent due to the cost of living, implying a high cost.
Aunque la calidad del producto es indiscutible, su precio resulta demasiado ___ para el presupuesto promedio de la mayoría de las familias.
The phrase 'demasiado ___' in conjunction with 'presupuesto promedio' indicates that the price is high and difficult to afford.
Comprar una vivienda en el centro de la ciudad se ha vuelto prohibitivamente ___, lo que obliga a muchos a buscar opciones en la periferia.
The word 'prohibitivamente' (prohibitively) strongly suggests that the cost is very high, making 'caro' the most appropriate choice.
Para algunos, invertir en arte puede parecer un lujo ___, pero para otros, es una forma de preservar la cultura y el patrimonio.
The sentence contrasts the perception of art investment as a 'lujo' (luxury) with its cultural value, implying a high cost.
A pesar de la inflación, el gobierno se esfuerza por mantener los precios de los productos básicos lo menos ___ posible para no afectar a la población.
The goal of the government is to prevent prices from becoming high ('caros') to protect the population from inflation.
El transporte público, aunque no siempre eficiente, es una alternativa menos ___ al uso del coche particular en las grandes ciudades.
The sentence compares public transport to private cars, indicating that public transport is a less expensive ('cara') option.
Selecciona la opción que mejor reemplace la palabra 'caro' en el siguiente contexto, manteniendo el significado de 'expensive': 'Ese coche deportivo es demasiado caro para mi presupuesto.'
'Costoso' es un sinónimo directo de 'caro' en el sentido de que algo tiene un precio elevado. Las otras opciones son antónimos o no encajan en el contexto.
En el siguiente fragmento de una conversación, ¿cuál es el matiz principal que 'caro' aporta a la descripción del restaurante? 'No sé si deberíamos ir a ese restaurante. Dicen que es muy caro, y la última vez que fuimos a uno así, la comida no valió la pena.'
Aunque la frase menciona que 'la comida no valió la pena', el adjetivo 'caro' se refiere directamente al alto costo del restaurante, lo que implica que el precio no se corresponde con el valor percibido.
Si alguien dice 'No me gusta comprar ropa cara, prefiero algo más asequible', ¿qué implica su preferencia sobre la ropa cara?
La frase 'prefiero algo más asequible' contrasta directamente con 'ropa cara', indicando una preocupación por el precio y la relación calidad-precio.
La frase 'El tiempo es oro' puede interpretarse en el sentido de que el tiempo es un recurso valioso, similar a cómo algo 'caro' puede ser valioso pero con un precio monetario alto. Por lo tanto, 'caro' y 'valioso' son siempre intercambiables.
Aunque algo caro suele ser valioso, no son siempre intercambiables. 'Caro' se refiere específicamente al precio monetario elevado, mientras que 'valioso' puede referirse a la importancia intrínseca o emocional, sin implicar necesariamente un alto costo económico. Por ejemplo, un recuerdo puede ser muy valioso pero no 'caro' en términos monetarios.
Si un amigo te dice 'Ese viaje fue caro, pero las experiencias valieron cada céntimo', está contradiciendo el significado de 'caro' al afirmar que valió la pena.
No hay contradicción. 'Caro' se refiere al alto costo monetario del viaje. La segunda parte de la frase ('pero las experiencias valieron cada céntimo') indica que, a pesar del precio, la persona considera que la inversión fue justificada por el valor de las experiencias obtenidas.
En un contexto informal, alguien podría usar 'caro' para describir a una persona que es tacaña o que no le gusta gastar dinero.
No, 'caro' se refiere a objetos o servicios que tienen un precio elevado. Para describir a una persona tacaña, se usarían adjetivos como 'tacaño/a', 'avaricioso/a' o 'agarrado/a', no 'caro/a'.
Consider the overall context of the car purchase.
Think about the justification for the price.
What is being discussed as 'expensive'?
Read this aloud:
Describe a time you bought something caro and whether it was worth the price.
Focus: The 'r' sound in 'caro' and the pronunciation of 'precio'.
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you are trying to convince a friend to buy a slightly expensive but high-quality product. How would you justify the price?
Focus: Emphasis on persuasive intonation and clear articulation of arguments.
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the pros and cons of buying cheap versus buying caro, considering different types of products.
Focus: Clear distinction between 'barato' and 'caro', and fluid transition between ideas.
قلت:
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Describe a time you bought something that you considered very expensive, but worth it. Use 'caro' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Recuerdo que el año pasado compré una bicicleta de montaña. Era bastante cara, pero la calidad era excepcional y ha valido la pena cada céntimo por las aventuras que me ha permitido vivir.
Imagine you are writing a review for a luxury item. Use 'caro' to discuss its price in relation to its value.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Este reloj suizo es sin duda un artículo de lujo. Su precio es bastante caro, lo cual es de esperar dada la artesanía y los materiales de alta calidad utilizados. Sin embargo, su durabilidad y prestigio justifican la inversión.
You are explaining to a friend why you decided against buying a particular item. Use 'caro' to explain your reasoning.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Al final, no compré el portátil que quería. Aunque tenía todas las características que buscaba, era demasiado caro y no se ajustaba a mi presupuesto actual. Tendré que buscar una opción más económica.
¿Qué ha causado que los productos básicos sean excesivamente caros?
Read this passage:
La inflación ha provocado que muchos productos básicos se vuelvan excesivamente caros para la mayoría de las familias. El aumento de los precios de la energía y los alimentos ha generado preocupación en la economía global. Los gobiernos buscan soluciones para aliviar la carga económica sobre sus ciudadanos, pero la situación es compleja y no hay respuestas fáciles.
¿Qué ha causado que los productos básicos sean excesivamente caros?
El pasaje indica claramente que 'La inflación ha provocado que muchos productos básicos se vuelvan excesivamente caros'.
El pasaje indica claramente que 'La inflación ha provocado que muchos productos básicos se vuelvan excesivamente caros'.
¿Qué factores influyen en el alto precio de una obra de arte?
Read this passage:
En el mercado del arte, una obra de un artista renombrado puede alcanzar precios extremadamente caros. A menudo, el valor no se basa únicamente en la estética o la habilidad técnica, sino también en la historia de la pieza, su rareza y la demanda de coleccionistas adinerados. Esta dinámica convierte al arte en una inversión compleja y a veces inaccesible para el público general.
¿Qué factores influyen en el alto precio de una obra de arte?
El pasaje menciona que el valor se basa 'también en la historia de la pieza, su rareza y la demanda de coleccionistas adinerados'.
El pasaje menciona que el valor se basa 'también en la historia de la pieza, su rareza y la demanda de coleccionistas adinerados'.
¿Cuál es una consecuencia de los precios caros de la vivienda en las grandes ciudades?
Read this passage:
Comprar una vivienda en las grandes ciudades se ha vuelto prohibitivamente caro. La escasez de espacio y la alta demanda han disparado los precios, obligando a muchos a buscar opciones en las afueras o a optar por el alquiler. Esta situación tiene un impacto significativo en la calidad de vida y en la planificación familiar de los jóvenes profesionales.
¿Cuál es una consecuencia de los precios caros de la vivienda en las grandes ciudades?
El texto dice que los precios obligan 'a muchos a buscar opciones en las afueras o a optar por el alquiler'.
El texto dice que los precios obligan 'a muchos a buscar opciones en las afueras o a optar por el alquiler'.
El coste de vida en esa ciudad es tan ___ que la gente tiene que trabajar horas extra para llegar a fin de mes.
In this context, 'caro' means expensive, indicating a high cost of living.
A pesar de la crisis económica, los inmuebles en el centro de la capital siguen siendo increíblemente ___.
'Caros' (plural for 'caro') is the correct adjective to describe something that is expensive, such as real estate.
Adquirir una educación de prestigio suele ser bastante ___, pero muchos lo ven como una inversión valiosa para el futuro.
Here, 'caro' refers to the high cost associated with a prestigious education.
El impacto ambiental de producir ciertos bienes es tan ___ que deberíamos reconsiderar nuestros hábitos de consumo.
In this metaphorical sense, 'caro' can imply a high or detrimental cost, referring to the environmental impact.
Mantener un estilo de vida suntuoso puede salir muy ___, por lo que la planificación financiera es esencial.
When something 'sale caro,' it means it turns out to be expensive.
La restauración de ese cuadro antiguo resultó ser un proyecto extremadamente ___, requiriendo expertos y materiales especializados.
'Caro' accurately describes the high cost and extensive resources needed for such a complex restoration.
The painting's high price despite its masterpiece status.
A very expensive infrastructure project.
The high cost of quality education.
Read this aloud:
Articula la frase: 'El mantenimiento de un estilo de vida suntuoso puede resultar prohibitivamente caro sin una fuente de ingresos constante y considerable.'
Focus: prohibitivamente, suntuoso, considerable
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Di en voz alta: 'La adquisición de tecnología de punta, aunque cara, es imperativa para mantener la competitividad en el mercado global actual.'
Focus: adquisición, imperativa, competitividad
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Practica la pronunciación de: 'El impacto ambiental de un producto, aunque no directamente caro en el momento de la compra, puede tener costes ocultos a largo plazo para la sociedad.'
Focus: impacto, directamente, ocultos
قلت:
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This sentence structure reflects a common way to express a concession ('Although') followed by a contrasting positive outcome. 'Caro' here refers to monetary expense.
Here, 'caro' is used in a figurative sense, meaning 'highly valued' or 'precious', emphasizing the high regard for peace. The 'tan...que' construction is used for emphasis.
This sentence uses 'caro' to describe a 'high price' in a metaphorical sense, referring to sacrifices or difficulties one might face in pursuit of truth. The phrase 'pagar un precio' is common.
/ 96 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The primary meaning of 'caro' is expensive, but it has other important uses to describe value or affection.
- Use 'caro' to describe something that costs a lot of money.
- It can also mean 'dear' or 'beloved' when referring to people or things with sentimental value.
- Remember it changes form based on gender and number: caro, cara, caros, caras.
Basic Meaning of 'Caro'
The most common meaning of caro is expensive. This is what you'll use most often when talking about prices.
Gender and Number Agreement
Like all Spanish adjectives, caro changes to match the noun it describes.
- el coche caro (the expensive car)
- la casa cara (the expensive house)
- los coches caros (the expensive cars)
- las casas caras (the expensive houses)
Using 'Muy' with 'Caro'
To say very expensive, use muy caro. For example, Este vestido es muy caro. (This dress is very expensive.)
Antonym: 'Barato'
The opposite of caro (expensive) is barato (cheap/inexpensive). Knowing antonyms helps you remember both words. Example: No es caro, es barato. (It's not expensive, it's cheap.)
مثال
In context, `caro` expresses: expensive.
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عبارات ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات false_friends
sensible
A2Primary meaning: sensitive.
constipado
A2Primary meaning: having a cold.
ropa
A2Primary meaning: clothes.
colegio
A2Primary meaning: school (primary/secondary).
conductor
A2Primary meaning: driver.
ordinario
A2Primary meaning: vulgar, crude.
largo
A2Primary meaning: long.
mayor
A2Primary meaning: older, larger.
disgusto
A2Primary meaning: upset, displeasure.
realizar
A2Primary meaning: to carry out, to accomplish.
