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valoir

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valoir in 30 Sekunden

  • Valoir means to be worth, have value, or cost.
  • It's used for price, merit, and importance.
  • Key phrase: 'valoir la peine' (to be worth it).
  • Irregular verb, conjugation is important.
The French verb valoir is a fundamental verb that translates most directly to "to be worth" or "to have value" in English. It's used in a wide array of situations, from discussing the monetary worth of an object to the importance or merit of an action, idea, or person. Think of it as the French equivalent of saying something "is worth it," "costs," or "has the value of." It's a versatile verb that allows you to express a sense of estimation, price, or significance. For instance, when you want to inquire about the price of something, you'll often use a form of 'valoir'. Similarly, when you're considering if an effort is justified by the outcome, 'valoir' comes into play. It can also be used to express that something is equivalent to something else, highlighting a shared value or significance. This verb is so common that you'll encounter it in everyday conversations, news reports, financial discussions, and even in literature. Understanding 'valoir' is crucial for grasping nuances in French, especially when dealing with concepts of exchange, estimation, and importance. It's a cornerstone verb for expressing value in its many forms.
Monetary Value
When discussing the price of goods or services, 'valoir' is used. For example, 'Cette voiture vaut mille euros.' (This car is worth a thousand euros.)
Merit or Importance
It can also signify that something has merit, is important, or is beneficial. 'Ton conseil vaut de l'or.' (Your advice is worth its weight in gold.)
Equivalence
'Valoir' can also mean to be equivalent to something else. 'Un sourire vaut mieux que des paroles.' (A smile is worth more than words.)

Ce travail vaut la peine d'être fait.

Combien vaut cette maison ?

Son expérience vaut beaucoup pour l'équipe.

The verb 'valoir' is frequently used in various grammatical constructions. One of the most common is with a direct object, indicating the monetary price or estimated value: 'Ce livre vaut 20 euros.' (This book is worth 20 euros.) Another important structure is 'valoir la peine de' followed by an infinitive, meaning 'to be worth the trouble of' or 'to be worth doing': 'Il vaut la peine de visiter ce musée.' (It is worth visiting this museum.) You'll also see 'valoir' used with indirect objects, often with the preposition 'à', to indicate that something is valuable or important to someone: 'Cela vaut beaucoup à mes yeux.' (That means a lot to me.) In more abstract contexts, 'valoir' can express equivalence or that something is superior to something else: 'Une bonne santé vaut mieux que toute richesse.' (Good health is better than all riches.) The impersonal form 'il vaut mieux' (it is better) is also extremely common for giving advice: 'Il vaut mieux partir maintenant.' (It is better to leave now.) When talking about a person's worth or merit, 'valoir' can be used with nouns like 'honneur', 'gloire', or 'respect': 'Son travail lui vaut le respect de ses collègues.' (His work earns him the respect of his colleagues.) The past participle 'valu' is used in compound tenses, such as in the passé composé: 'Ce conseil m'a valu beaucoup de succès.' (That advice brought me a lot of success.) The subjunctive mood is also used with 'valoir', particularly in expressions of doubt or necessity, though this is more advanced. For instance, 'Il faut que ce travail vaille la peine.' (It is necessary that this work be worthwhile.) Pay attention to the prepositions used with 'valoir', as they can subtly change the meaning or the grammatical structure. The verb is also used in idiomatic expressions, adding another layer of complexity and richness to its usage.
Direct Object (Price/Value)
Used to state the monetary worth or estimated value of something. Example: 'Ce tableau vaut une fortune.' (This painting is worth a fortune.)
'Valoir la peine de' + Infinitive (Worthwhile)
Expresses that an action or endeavor is justified or rewarding. Example: 'Ça vaut la peine de se lever tôt pour voir le lever du soleil.' (It's worth getting up early to see the sunrise.)
Impersonal 'Il vaut mieux' (Better to)
Used to give advice or suggest the best course of action. Example: 'Il vaut mieux être prudent.' (It's better to be careful.)
With Nouns (Merit/Benefit)
Indicates that something brings a certain benefit or earns a specific recognition. Example: 'Son honnêteté lui vaut la confiance de tous.' (His honesty earns him everyone's trust.)

Cette expérience vaut le détour.

Il vaut la peine d'essayer une fois de plus.

Il vaut mieux accepter cette offre.

You'll hear the verb 'valoir' in a multitude of everyday French conversations and media. In marketplaces and shops, it's essential for discussing prices: 'Combien valent ces pommes ?' (How much are these apples worth?). When people are discussing investments or the value of assets, 'valoir' is ubiquitous. For example, a news report might say, 'Le franc suisse vaut plus que le dollar.' (The Swiss franc is worth more than the dollar.) In personal conversations, it's used to express the importance of relationships or experiences: 'Votre amitié vaut tout pour moi.' (Your friendship means everything to me.) When someone offers advice or a suggestion, the phrase 'il vaut mieux' is a common opener: 'Il vaut mieux vérifier avant de partir.' (It's better to check before leaving.) You'll also encounter it in reviews of restaurants, hotels, or movies, often with 'la peine': 'Ce restaurant vaut vraiment la peine.' (This restaurant is really worth it.) Even in casual chat among friends, it can be used to gauge the worth of an activity: 'Est-ce que ça vaut la peine d'aller à cette soirée ?' (Is it worth going to this party?). In educational settings, teachers might use it to explain the value of learning: 'Apprendre une nouvelle langue vaut beaucoup.' (Learning a new language is very valuable.) In formal settings, like business meetings or legal discussions, 'valoir' might appear when discussing contracts or the worth of a company. The phrase 'ne rien valoir' (to be worth nothing) is also quite common to express something's lack of value or importance. The more you listen to French, the more you'll notice how frequently and in how many different ways 'valoir' is employed.
Everyday Shopping
Used constantly when asking about prices or stating the cost of items. Example: 'Ces chaussures valent combien ?' (How much are these shoes worth?)
Financial News and Discussions
Talking about stock prices, currency exchange rates, or the value of investments. Example: 'L'or vaut toujours cher.' (Gold is always worth a lot.)
Giving Advice
The phrase 'il vaut mieux' is a very common way to suggest what is advisable. Example: 'Il vaut mieux attendre.' (It's better to wait.)
Reviews and Recommendations
Describing if something is worth experiencing or visiting. Example: 'Ce film vaut le coup d'œil.' (This movie is worth a look.)

Cette visite vaut le détour, même si c'est un peu loin.

Il vaut la peine de faire cet effort supplémentaire.

Combien valent ces antiquités ?

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with 'valoir' is not conjugating it correctly. Since it's an irregular verb, learners often default to a regular '-er' verb pattern, which is incorrect. For example, saying 'je vale' instead of 'je vaux' is a common slip. Another mistake is misplacing 'la peine' when using the 'valoir la peine' construction. It should directly follow 'valoir' and precede the infinitive, often with 'de' in between. For instance, 'ça peine vaut de' is incorrect; it must be 'ça vaut la peine de'. Confusion also arises with prepositions. While 'valoir' can sometimes be used without a preposition when stating a direct price, more nuanced meanings often require prepositions like 'à' or 'pour'. Forgetting these can lead to awkward or grammatically incorrect sentences. Another pitfall is using 'valoir' when another verb would be more appropriate, such as 'coûter' (to cost) when specifically referring to a price, although 'valoir' can also be used for price. However, 'coûter' is more direct for monetary expense. Some learners might also struggle with the impersonal 'il vaut mieux', sometimes trying to conjugate 'valoir' with a subject other than 'il' in this specific idiomatic expression. Finally, learners might overgeneralize its use, applying it to situations where 'être' (to be) or other verbs would be more natural in French.
Incorrect Conjugation
Not conjugating the verb correctly, especially in the present tense (e.g., saying 'je vale' instead of 'je vaux').
Misplacing 'la peine'
In the phrase 'valoir la peine de', learners might incorrectly place 'la peine' or omit the 'de'. The correct structure is 'valoir la peine de + infinitive'.
Ignoring Prepositions
Using 'valoir' without necessary prepositions like 'à' or 'pour' when discussing merit or importance to someone.
Overuse or Misapplication
Using 'valoir' where a more specific verb like 'coûter' (to cost) or even 'être' (to be) would be more natural in French.

Incorrect: Cette idée vaut pour rien. Correct: Cette idée ne vaut rien.

Incorrect: Je vale beaucoup. Correct: Je vaux beaucoup.

Incorrect: Le voyage est la peine de faire. Correct: Le voyage vaut la peine d'être fait.

While 'valoir' is a primary verb for expressing worth, several other French words and phrases can convey similar or related meanings, depending on the nuance.
Coûter (to cost)
This is the most direct alternative when referring to monetary price. While 'valoir' can state the worth, 'coûter' states what one must pay. Example: 'Ce livre vaut 20 euros.' (This book is worth 20 euros.) vs. 'Ce livre coûte 20 euros.' (This book costs 20 euros.)
Être d'une valeur de (to be of a value of)
A more formal and explicit way to state monetary value. Example: 'Le tableau est d'une valeur estimée à un million d'euros.' (The painting is of an estimated value of one million euros.)
Mériter (to deserve)
This verb is used when something earns or merits a certain outcome or recognition, often implying a moral or earned value rather than a monetary one. Example: 'Son effort mérite une récompense.' (His effort deserves a reward.) This is similar to 'valoir' when it means to earn respect or a reward, but 'mériter' focuses more on the deserving aspect.
Peser (to weigh / to count)
In certain idiomatic expressions, 'peser' can imply importance or influence, similar to how 'valoir' can express significance. Example: 'Tes arguments pèsent lourd.' (Your arguments carry a lot of weight.)
Être important / Être significatif (to be important / to be significant)
These are more general ways to express that something has value or importance, without the specific connotation of monetary worth or equivalence that 'valoir' often carries. Example: 'Cette découverte est très importante.' (This discovery is very important.)
Understanding the subtle differences will allow you to choose the most precise verb for your intended meaning. While 'valoir' is a versatile workhorse, these alternatives offer more specific ways to express price, merit, and significance in French.

Ce livre coûte 15 euros, il vaut bien cet investissement.

Son travail mérite une promotion.

Cette information est très significative.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The Latin root *valēre* is also the origin of many English words related to health and strength, such as 'value', 'valid', 'valor', 'valiant', 'convalesce', and 'equivalent'. This shows a common semantic thread connecting strength, health, and worth across languages.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /va.lwaʁ/
US /va.lwaʁ/
The stress in French words is generally on the last syllable. For 'valoir', the emphasis is on the '-loi-' sound.
Reimt sich auf
avoir devoir pouvoir savoir vouloir entrevoir revoir apercevoir prévoir décevoir
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 'oi' as two separate sounds ('o' and 'i').
  • Using an English 'r' sound at the end.
  • Incorrectly stressing a syllable other than the last one.
  • Mispronouncing the vowel sound in 'val-'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The verb 'valoir' is frequent in B1-level texts. Understanding its nuances, especially in idiomatic expressions like 'valoir la peine' or 'valoir de l'or', requires careful attention and practice. Recognizing its irregular conjugation is key to comprehension.

Schreiben 3/5
Sprechen 3/5
Hören 3/5

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

être avoir coûter prix argent valeur important bon mieux

Als Nächstes lernen

mériter équivaloir valoriser dévaluer coûter cher avoir de la valeur

Fortgeschritten

subjonctif avec valoir valoir dans des contextes philosophiques valoir dans des analyses économiques
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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Le pain vaut un euro.

The bread is worth one euro.

Simple statement of price.

2

Ça vaut la peine.

It's worth it.

Common phrase, impersonal.

3

Il vaut mieux dormir.

It's better to sleep.

Impersonal advice.

4

Cette pomme vaut quelque chose.

This apple is worth something.

Basic statement of value.

5

Combien valent ces fleurs ?

How much are these flowers worth?

Question about price.

6

Mon jouet vaut beaucoup.

My toy is worth a lot.

Expressing high value.

7

Ce n'est pas cher, ça vaut.

It's not expensive, it's worth it.

Informal affirmation of value.

8

La gentillesse vaut tout.

Kindness is worth everything.

Abstract value.

1

Cette maison vaut combien ?

How much is this house worth?

Direct question about property value.

2

Il vaut mieux étudier pour l'examen.

It's better to study for the exam.

Impersonal advice for a specific situation.

3

Ton aide vaut de l'or.

Your help is worth gold.

Metaphorical value.

4

Le voyage vaut la peine.

The trip is worth it.

Common expression for enjoyable activities.

5

Ce livre vaut 10 euros.

This book is worth 10 euros.

Stating a specific monetary value.

6

Il ne vaut rien.

It's worth nothing.

Expressing lack of value.

7

Chaque moment vaut la peine d'être vécu.

Every moment is worth living.

'Valoir la peine de' with a slightly more complex infinitive.

8

Son expérience vaut beaucoup pour nous.

His experience is worth a lot to us.

Value to a group.

1

Ce projet vaut la peine d'être poursuivi.

This project is worth pursuing.

Using 'valoir la peine de' with a passive infinitive.

2

Il vaut mieux être honnête, même si c'est difficile.

It's better to be honest, even if it's difficult.

Complex advice with a subordinate clause.

3

Cette opportunité vaut de l'or pour un jeune professionnel.

This opportunity is golden for a young professional.

Figurative language with 'valoir de l'or'.

4

Le prix de cette œuvre d'art vaut des millions.

The price of this artwork is worth millions.

High monetary value.

5

Il vaut la peine de prendre des risques calculés.

It's worth taking calculated risks.

Nuanced advice about risk.

6

Son sacrifice lui a valu le respect de tous.

His sacrifice earned him everyone's respect.

Past participle 'valu' in passé composé, earning a result.

7

Cette idée vaut le coup d'être explorée davantage.

This idea is worth exploring further.

'Valoir le coup' as a synonym for 'valoir la peine'.

8

Il ne vaut pas la peine de se disputer pour si peu.

It's not worth arguing over so little.

Negative form of 'valoir la peine'.

1

Il vaut mieux comprendre les implications avant de prendre une décision.

It is better to understand the implications before making a decision.

Complex advice involving understanding consequences.

2

Cette découverte scientifique vaut à l'humanité des avancées majeures.

This scientific discovery is worth major advancements for humanity.

Abstract value leading to tangible results.

3

Leur collaboration a valu à l'entreprise un avantage concurrentiel significatif.

Their collaboration earned the company a significant competitive advantage.

Past participle 'valu' with a significant outcome.

4

Il ne vaut pas la peine de s'inquiéter pour des choses hors de notre contrôle.

It is not worth worrying about things beyond our control.

Philosophical advice using negation.

5

La valeur de cette antiquité vaut bien plus que son prix affiché.

The value of this antique is worth much more than its displayed price.

Comparing intrinsic value to market price.

6

Il vaut la peine de considérer toutes les options avant de s'engager.

It is worth considering all options before committing.

Strategic advice with 'valoir la peine'.

7

Ce type de comportement ne vaut pas la peine d'être encouragé.

This type of behavior is not worth encouraging.

Discouraging undesirable actions.

8

Son témoignage a valu à l'accusé une peine allégée.

His testimony earned the accused a lighter sentence.

'Valu' used to describe legal outcomes.

1

Il vaut mieux privilégier une approche préventive plutôt que curative.

It is better to prioritize a preventive approach rather than a curative one.

Sophisticated advice contrasting two strategies.

2

La résilience dont il a fait preuve lui a valu l'admiration de ses pairs.

The resilience he demonstrated earned him the admiration of his peers.

Abstract quality earning recognition.

3

Il ne vaut pas la peine de spéculer sur les intentions cachées.

It is not worth speculating on hidden intentions.

Advising against unproductive mental effort.

4

Cette décision stratégique a valu à l'entreprise une position dominante sur le marché.

This strategic decision earned the company a dominant market position.

Strategic decision leading to market dominance.

5

Il vaut mieux accepter l'incertitude que de s'acharner sur des certitudes illusoires.

It is better to accept uncertainty than to cling to illusory certainties.

Philosophical advice on coping with uncertainty.

6

Leur engagement désintéressé leur a valu une reconnaissance posthume.

Their selfless commitment earned them posthumous recognition.

Selfless actions leading to posthumous recognition.

7

Il vaut la peine de cultiver une pensée critique face à la désinformation ambiante.

It is worth cultivating critical thinking in the face of ambient disinformation.

Advocating for a specific intellectual skill.

8

Cette initiative audacieuse a valu à la ville une renommée internationale.

This bold initiative earned the city international renown.

Bold action leading to global recognition.

1

Il vaut mieux embrasser la complexité du monde plutôt que de chercher des simplifications réductrices.

It is better to embrace the complexity of the world rather than seeking reductive simplifications.

Profound philosophical advice.

2

La persévérance dont il a fait preuve face à l'adversité lui a valu une estime universelle.

The perseverance he demonstrated in the face of adversity earned him universal esteem.

Exceptional character trait earning global respect.

3

Il ne vaut pas la peine de s'attarder sur les regrets du passé.

It is not worth dwelling on past regrets.

Advanced advice on emotional well-being.

4

Cette avancée technologique révolutionnaire a valu à l'humanité un bond qualitatif sans précédent.

This revolutionary technological advancement is worth an unprecedented qualitative leap for humanity.

Technological leap with immense impact.

5

Il vaut mieux cultiver l'empathie dans un monde souvent marqué par l'indifférence.

It is better to cultivate empathy in a world often marked by indifference.

Advocating for a crucial human quality.

6

Leur vision avant-gardiste a valu à l'entreprise une position de leader incontesté.

Their avant-garde vision earned the company an undisputed leadership position.

Visionary strategy leading to market dominance.

7

Il vaut la peine de méditer sur la nature éphémère de toute chose.

It is worth meditating on the ephemeral nature of all things.

Contemplative advice on impermanence.

8

Cette œuvre artistique singulière vaut à son créateur une place dans l'histoire de l'art.

This singular artistic work earns its creator a place in art history.

Unique artistic achievement leading to historical recognition.

Häufige Kollokationen

valoir la peine
valoir mieux
valoir de l'or
ne rien valoir
valoir des millions
valoir le coup
valoir le détour
valoir un certain prix
valoir une fortune
valoir mieux que

Häufige Phrasen

valoir la peine de

— To be worth the trouble/effort of doing something.

Il vaut la peine de lire ce livre.

il vaut mieux

— It is better to; one had better.

Il vaut mieux ne pas le déranger.

ne rien valoir

— To be worth nothing; to be worthless.

Ses excuses ne valent rien.

valoir de l'or

— To be worth a lot; to be extremely valuable (often figurative).

Dans cette situation, son expérience vaut de l'or.

valoir le coup

— To be worth it; to be worthwhile (similar to 'valoir la peine').

Cette exposition vaut le coup.

valoir le détour

— To be worth a special trip; to be worth going out of one's way for.

Ce restaurant vaut le détour.

valoir mieux que

— To be worth more than; to be better than.

La loyauté vaut mieux que l'argent.

valoir une fortune

— To be worth a fortune; to be extremely expensive.

Cette bague vaut une fortune.

valoir un certain prix

— To be worth a certain price; to cost a certain amount.

Ce service vaut un certain prix.

valoir son pesant d'or

— To be worth its weight in gold; to be extremely valuable or useful.

Son aide dans ce projet vaut son pesant d'or.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"valoir la peine"

— To be worth the effort or trouble; to be worthwhile.

Ce long voyage vaut la peine pour admirer le paysage.

Neutral
"valoir de l'or"

— To be extremely valuable, often figuratively. It implies great usefulness or importance.

Dans une crise, des conseils avisés valent de l'or.

Figurative/Neutral
"ne rien valoir"

— To be worth nothing; to be worthless or insignificant.

Ses promesses ne valent rien.

Neutral
"valoir le coup"

— To be worth it; to be a good investment of time or effort.

Ce film vaut le coup, même s'il est long.

Neutral
"valoir le détour"

— To be worth a special trip or excursion; to be worth going out of one's way for.

Ce petit village médiéval vaut le détour.

Neutral
"valoir mieux que"

— To be better than; to have more value than.

La paix vaut mieux que la guerre.

Neutral
"valoir son pesant d'or"

— To be worth its weight in gold; to be extremely valuable, useful, or beneficial.

Son expérience dans ce domaine vaut son pesant d'or.

Figurative/Neutral
"valoir une fortune"

— To be worth a fortune; to be extremely expensive.

Ce tableau de maître vaut une fortune.

Figurative/Neutral
"ça vaut"

— It's worth it (a shortened, informal version of 'ça vaut la peine').

Une petite sortie ce soir ? Oui, ça vaut !

Informal
"il vaut mieux"

— It is better to; one had better.

Il vaut mieux vérifier les détails avant de signer.

Neutral

Wortfamilie

Substantive

valeur value, worth
valable valid
équivalence equivalence

Verben

valoriser

Adjektive

valable
valorisé

Verwandt

valoriser to enhance the value of; to promote
équivaloir to be equivalent to
dévaluer to devalue
revaloriser to revalue; to increase the value of
avaler to swallow (unrelated, but sounds similar)
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Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a knight, 'Sir Val', who is very strong ('valere' means strong). He is so strong and capable that his advice is always worth a lot, like gold. So, 'valoir' = Sir Val's worth = to be worth.

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a golden scale, with one side showing a person's effort or an object, and the other side showing a pile of gold coins. When the scale tips, it 'valoir' – it shows what it's worth. Or imagine a superhero named 'Val' who always does the right thing, making him 'worth' a lot.

Word Web

Value Worth Cost Price Merit Importance Benefit Equivalence Deserve Earn Price tag Gold Treasure Investment Advantage Consequence Result Recognition Respect Advise Recommendation Opportunity Risk Effort Trouble Significant Substantial Immense Nominal Modest Cheap Expensive Priceless Worthless Valuable Valid

Herausforderung

Try to describe the value of three different items in your room using 'valoir'. Then, think of two pieces of advice you would give a friend and use 'il vaut mieux' or 'ça vaut la peine'.

Wortherkunft

The French verb 'valoir' comes from the Vulgar Latin word *valēre*, which itself derives from the classical Latin verb *valēre*. This Latin root means 'to be strong', 'to be well', 'to be worth', or 'to have power'. The concept of 'being strong' or 'having power' naturally extended to 'having value' or 'being worth something'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To be strong, to be well, to have power, to be worth.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Vulgar Latin > Old French > Modern French

Kultureller Kontext

When discussing monetary value, be mindful of the context and audience. While direct price statements are common, in more sensitive situations, using phrases that emphasize benefit or importance might be more appropriate than just stating a price.

In English-speaking cultures, the concept of 'worth' is also multifaceted, encompassing monetary value, intrinsic merit, and the justification of effort. Phrases like 'it's worth it,' 'worth its weight in gold,' and 'what is this worth?' are common, mirroring the usage of 'valoir'.

The phrase 'valeur ajoutée' (added value) is ubiquitous in business and marketing. 'Il vaut mieux' is a cornerstone of French advice-giving. Expressions like 'valoir la peine' are deeply embedded in everyday discourse, from recommending activities to justifying choices.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Shopping and prices

  • Combien valent ces chaussures ?
  • Ce sac vaut 50 euros.
  • Ça vaut le coup d'acheter ça.

Giving advice

  • Il vaut mieux faire attention.
  • Il vaut la peine d'essayer.
  • Il vaut mieux attendre.

Describing merit or importance

  • Son travail vaut beaucoup.
  • Cette expérience vaut de l'or.
  • Ton opinion vaut.

Financial discussions

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