معنی
To be extremely valuable or expensive, referring to the rich silver mines of Potosí.
زمینه فرهنگی
Potosí is a real city in Bolivia. The 'Cerro Rico' still overlooks the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. For Bolivians, the phrase is a reminder of their historical importance to the world economy. In Spain, the phrase is often associated with the 'Siglo de Oro' (Golden Age). It appears in classical literature and is used by older generations as a sign of 'buen hablar' (speaking well). While understood, Mexicans might more frequently use 'valer oro' or 'valer una feria' (slang for money). However, 'valer un potosí' is used in formal journalism. In Argentina, due to the proximity to Bolivia, the historical context is well-known. It is used in tango lyrics and literature to describe unattainable or immense wealth.
Complimenting with Style
Use this phrase to compliment someone older (like a teacher or a grandparent). It shows you have a high level of Spanish and respect for tradition.
Don't overdo it
Because it's a strong hyperbole, using it for every small thing (like a cup of coffee) can sound sarcastic. Save it for things that are truly special.
معنی
To be extremely valuable or expensive, referring to the rich silver mines of Potosí.
Complimenting with Style
Use this phrase to compliment someone older (like a teacher or a grandparent). It shows you have a high level of Spanish and respect for tradition.
Don't overdo it
Because it's a strong hyperbole, using it for every small thing (like a cup of coffee) can sound sarcastic. Save it for things that are truly special.
The 'Perú' Alternative
If you are in Peru, you might hear 'Vale un Perú'. Both are correct, but 'Potosí' is more common in Spain and general literature.
خودت رو بسنج
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'valer'.
Si logras arreglar ese coche antiguo, _______ un potosí.
We use the future tense 'valdrá' because the value depends on a future action (fixing the car).
Selecciona la opción gramaticalmente correcta.
¿Cuál de estas frases es correcta?
The idiom always uses 'valer' + 'un' + 'potosí'.
En qué situación es más apropiado usar 'valer un potosí'?
Situación: Estás muy agradecido con un médico que salvó a tu perro.
The phrase is used as a high compliment to a person's worth or skill.
Completa el diálogo.
A: Mira este diamante, es enorme. B: ¡Guau! ________.
'Debe valer' expresses a strong probability or assumption about the value.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Valer vs. Costar
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاSi logras arreglar ese coche antiguo, _______ un potosí.
We use the future tense 'valdrá' because the value depends on a future action (fixing the car).
¿Cuál de estas frases es correcta?
The idiom always uses 'valer' + 'un' + 'potosí'.
Situación: Estás muy agradecido con un médico que salvó a tu perro.
The phrase is used as a high compliment to a person's worth or skill.
A: Mira este diamante, es enorme. B: ¡Guau! ________.
'Debe valer' expresses a strong probability or assumption about the value.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYes, it is a city in Bolivia. It was the site of the richest silver mines in the world during the Spanish colonial period.
Absolutely! It's a very common and high compliment. 'Vales un potosí' means you are incredibly valuable as a person.
It is always 'un potosí'. Using 'el' makes it sound like you are talking about the city itself rather than the value it represents.
It has a classic feel, but it is not 'dead'. It's like saying 'worth a fortune' in English—everyone knows it and uses it in the right context.
You will be understood, but 'valer' is the standard verb. 'Costar' is better paired with 'un ojo de la cara'.
No, it is almost always positive. It emphasizes high quality or great worth.
Make the 'ee' sound sharper and louder than the other syllables: po-to-SEE.
Yes, though in some countries like Mexico or Argentina, people might use other idioms more frequently, 'valer un potosí' is universally understood.
Yes, if you are talking about a skill or a previous experience that was very beneficial. 'Esa experiencia valió un potosí para mi formación'.
The verb changes, but 'un potosí' stays the same. 'Tus ideas valen un potosí'.
عبارات مرتبط
Valer su peso en oro
synonymTo be worth its weight in gold.
Costar un ojo de la cara
similarTo cost an arm and a leg.
No valer un duro
contrastTo be worthless.
Valer un Perú
synonymTo be worth a Peru.
