At the A1 level, 'valer' is primarily used to talk about the price of things. You will use it in simple questions like 'Quanto vale?' (How much is it worth?) when shopping or asking about the value of an object. It is often interchangeable with 'custar' at this stage. You might also learn it in the context of simple games to say 'não vale' (not allowed/doesn't count). The focus is on the third person singular 'vale' and plural 'valem'.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'valer' in common idiomatic expressions, most notably 'valer a pena' (to be worth it). You start to understand that 'valer' describes not just price, but the merit of an action. You also encounter the irregular first-person singular 'eu valho' and use the verb to discuss rules and validity in more complex social situations. You might use it to express opinions about whether a trip or a book was 'worth the effort'.
By B1, you are comfortable with the full conjugation of 'valer' in the present, past, and future. You start using it in the subjunctive ('espero que valha a pena') and the conditional ('valeria a pena se...'). You also begin to see 'valer' used in more abstract ways, such as 'valer a sua palavra' (to be as good as one's word) and understand its use in media and news regarding currency fluctuations and legal validity.
At the B2 level, you use 'valer' to express complex arguments. You use structures like 'fazer valer' (to enforce/assert) in professional or academic contexts, such as 'fazer valer os seus direitos'. You understand the nuance between 'valer' and its synonyms like 'vigorar' or 'prevalecer'. You can use the verb to discuss philosophical value and the relative worth of abstract concepts like freedom or justice.
At the C1 level, you master the pronominal form 'valer-se de' (to make use of/resort to) and use it naturally in formal writing and sophisticated speech. You are aware of the literary uses of 'valer' and can interpret its meaning in classical Portuguese literature. You understand subtle differences in regional usage (e.g., the specific Brazilian 'valeu' vs. European Portuguese preferences) and can use the verb to convey irony or sarcasm.
At the C2 level, 'valer' is a tool for precise and nuanced expression. You can use it in highly technical legal contexts or in poetic, metaphorical ways. You are familiar with archaic or rare forms and can discuss the etymological evolution of the verb. Your use of 'valer' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, employing it to weave complex ideas about value, ethics, and social norms.

valer 30초 만에

  • Valer means 'to be worth' or 'to be valid'.
  • It is used for prices, rules, and the expression 'valer a pena'.
  • The first person singular is irregular: 'eu valho'.
  • In Brazil, 'valeu' is a common informal way to say 'thanks'.

The Portuguese verb valer is a multifaceted gem in the Lusophone linguistic crown, primarily functioning to denote the value, worth, or validity of an object, idea, or action. At its core, it translates to 'to be worth' in a financial sense, but its semantic range extends far beyond the price tag. When you ask 'Quanto vale isto?', you are inquiring about the monetary value. However, the verb also encompasses the concept of utility and merit. It is derived from the Latin valere, which meant 'to be strong' or 'to be well'—a root it shares with words like 'valiant' and 'valid'. This historical strength is still felt today; when something 'valer', it possesses a certain power or standing. In everyday conversation, it is the cornerstone of the ubiquitous expression 'valer a pena' (to be worth the effort/pain), which is used to justify actions and decisions. Understanding 'valer' requires recognizing that value is not always about currency; it can be about the weight of a rule in a game, the importance of a person's word, or the effectiveness of a remedy.

Financial Value
Refers to the market price or cost of an item. Example: 'Este relógio vale uma fortuna.'
Validity and Rules
Indicates if an action is permitted or if a point counts in a game. Example: 'Este golo não valeu.'
Utility and Merit
Describes the usefulness or the intrinsic worth of a situation. Example: 'O esforço valeu a pena.'

A sua palavra vale mais do que qualquer contrato assinado.

Quanto vale o euro hoje em relação ao real?

Não vale batota neste jogo de cartas!

Tudo vale quando a alma não é pequena.

Aquele conselho valeu ouro para a minha carreira.

Using valer correctly involves navigating its irregular conjugation and its various prepositional requirements. In the present indicative, the 'eu' form is 'valho', which often surprises learners. For most other persons, it follows a regular pattern (tu vales, ele vale, nós valemos, eles valem). When discussing price, it is often used transitively: 'O carro vale dez mil euros'. However, its most common idiomatic use, 'valer a pena', requires the preposition 'a'. This phrase literally means 'to be worth the pain', but is used exactly like 'to be worth it' in English. Another important structure is 'fazer valer', meaning to enforce or to make something count, such as 'fazer valer os seus direitos' (to enforce one's rights). In a more formal or literary context, you might encounter the pronominal form 'valer-se de', which means to make use of or to resort to something. For example, 'Ele valeu-se da sua influência para conseguir o emprego'. This versatility makes 'valer' an essential verb for expressing value judgments, legal status, and personal resourcefulness.

Direct Value
Subject + Valer + Value. 'A casa vale muito.'
The 'Pena' Construction
Valer a pena + [Infinitive/Noun]. 'Vale a pena estudar.'
Resorting to something
Valer-se de + [Noun]. 'Valeu-se de mentiras.'

Eu valho pelo que sou, não pelo que tenho.

Será que vale a pena comprar este telemóvel?

As regras valem para todos os jogadores.

You will encounter valer in almost every corner of Portuguese-speaking life. In a bustling market in Lisbon or a supermarket in São Paulo, the question 'Quanto vale?' or 'Quanto custa?' is the standard way to initiate a transaction. On the news, financial analysts discuss how much the currency 'vale' against the dollar. In the world of sports, particularly football, commentators often argue whether a goal 'valeu' (was valid) or if a foul was committed. In social settings, 'valeu' is a ubiquitous informal greeting or thank-you in Brazil, often accompanied by a thumbs-up. In literature and music, the verb is used to explore themes of existential worth—Fernando Pessoa's famous line 'Tudo vale a pena se a alma não é pequena' is perhaps the most iconic use of the verb in the Portuguese language. Whether you are negotiating a contract, playing a game of cards with friends, or expressing gratitude, 'valer' is the linguistic currency you will need.

- Obrigado pela ajuda! - Valeu, cara!

O juiz disse que o ponto não valeu.

Este bilhete já não vale, está fora do prazo.

One of the most frequent pitfalls for learners is the irregular conjugation of valer in the first person singular of the present indicative. Many students mistakenly say 'eu valo' instead of the correct 'eu valho'. This 'lh' insertion is a common feature in several irregular Portuguese verbs (like ouvir becoming ouço or pedir becoming peço, though the change is different here). Another common error involves the expression 'valer a pena'. English speakers often forget the preposition 'a' and say 'vale pena', which sounds incomplete to a native ear. Furthermore, there is often confusion between 'valer' and 'custar'. While 'custar' specifically refers to the price paid, 'valer' refers to the value of the object itself. An item might 'custar' (cost) 10 euros but 'valer' (be worth) 100 euros. Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the negative use in games; 'não vale' is the standard way to say 'that's not fair' or 'that's against the rules', and using other verbs like 'não é justo' is correct but less common in a playful context.

Conjugation Error
Incorrect: 'Eu valo'. Correct: 'Eu valho'.
Missing Preposition
Incorrect: 'Vale pena ir'. Correct: 'Vale a pena ir'.
Valer vs. Custar
'Custar' is the price; 'Valer' is the value.

While valer is unique, it shares semantic space with several other verbs. Custar is its closest neighbor regarding finance, but it focuses on the expense rather than the value. Merecer (to deserve) is often used in similar contexts of worthiness, but it focuses on the subject's right to something rather than the object's value. Servir (to serve/be useful) can sometimes replace 'valer' when discussing utility, as in 'isto não vale nada' vs 'isto não serve para nada'. In a legal or official sense, vigorar (to be in force) is a more formal synonym for 'valer' when referring to laws or rules. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the right word for the right level of formality and specific meaning.

Valer vs. Custar
Valer is intrinsic value; Custar is the transaction price.
Valer vs. Merecer
Valer is 'to be worth'; Merecer is 'to deserve'.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Irregular present indicative verbs

Subjunctive mood after expressions of opinion

Prepositional verbs (valer-se de)

Comparative of superiority (vale mais do que)

Impersonal 'se' with verbs

수준별 예문

1

Quanto vale este livro?

How much is this book worth?

Third person singular 'vale'.

2

Estes sapatos valem muito.

These shoes are worth a lot.

Third person plural 'valem'.

3

Não vale!

That's not allowed! / It doesn't count!

Used as an interjection in games.

4

O bilhete vale para hoje.

The ticket is valid for today.

Meaning 'to be valid'.

5

Quanto vale o dólar?

How much is the dollar worth?

Inquiring about exchange rates.

6

Isto vale cinco euros.

This is worth five euros.

Direct object of value.

7

Vale?

Is it valid? / Does it count?

Short question form.

8

A maçã vale um euro.

The apple is worth one euro.

Simple subject-verb-value.

1

Vale a pena visitar o museu.

It is worth visiting the museum.

Expression 'valer a pena'.

2

Eu valho muito para a minha empresa.

I am worth a lot to my company.

Irregular 'eu valho'.

3

Não vale a pena chorar.

It's not worth crying.

Negative 'valer a pena'.

4

Este esforço vai valer a pena.

This effort will be worth it.

Future construction with 'ir'.

5

O golo não valeu porque foi fora de jogo.

The goal didn't count because it was offside.

Past tense 'valeu'.

6

A tua ajuda valeu muito.

Your help was worth a lot.

Preterite tense.

7

Vale a pena comprar este carro?

Is it worth buying this car?

Interrogative 'valer a pena'.

8

A promoção vale até amanhã.

The promotion is valid until tomorrow.

Meaning 'to be valid'.

1

Espero que valha a pena todo este trabalho.

I hope all this work is worth it.

Present subjunctive 'valha'.

2

Se eu fosse a ti, valia a pena tentar.

If I were you, it would be worth trying.

Imperfect indicative used as conditional.

3

Valha-me Deus!

God help me!

Fixed expression in the subjunctive.

4

O contrato valerá por dois anos.

The contract will be valid for two years.

Future indicative 'valerá'.

5

Sempre valeu a pena lutar pelos sonhos.

It has always been worth fighting for dreams.

Preterite 'valeu'.

6

Não creio que valha a pena discutir.

I don't believe it's worth arguing.

Subjunctive after 'não crer'.

7

Quanto valeria esta casa se fosse renovada?

How much would this house be worth if it were renovated?

Conditional 'valeria'.

8

A palavra dele vale ouro.

His word is worth gold.

Metaphorical use.

1

Temos de fazer valer os nossos direitos.

We must enforce our rights.

Expression 'fazer valer'.

2

A lei vale para todos, sem exceção.

The law applies to everyone, without exception.

Meaning 'to apply' or 'to be valid'.

3

Valendo-se da sua posição, ele resolveu o problema.

Making use of his position, he solved the problem.

Gerund of 'valer-se de'.

4

Nada vale mais do que a liberdade.

Nothing is worth more than freedom.

Comparative structure.

5

A experiência valeu-lhe um novo cargo.

The experience earned him a new position.

Transitive use meaning 'to earn/gain'.

6

Não valeu de nada avisá-lo.

It was no use warning him.

Expression 'não valer de nada'.

7

O esforço valeu-se do apoio da equipa.

The effort relied on the team's support.

Pronominal 'valer-se de'.

8

Vale ressaltar que a situação é crítica.

It is worth noting that the situation is critical.

Formal expression 'vale ressaltar'.

1

Ele valeu-se de meios ilícitos para vencer.

He resorted to illicit means to win.

Pronominal 'valer-se de' in a formal context.

2

Tudo vale a pena se a alma não é pequena.

Everything is worth it if the soul is not small.

Literary quote (Fernando Pessoa).

3

A sua argumentação não valeu perante o júri.

His argument did not hold up before the jury.

Meaning 'to hold weight' or 'be valid'.

4

Valha o que valer, eu estarei lá.

Whatever it takes / No matter what, I'll be there.

Reduplicative subjunctive expression.

5

A herança valia milhões de euros.

The inheritance was worth millions of euros.

Imperfect indicative.

6

O autor vale-se de metáforas complexas.

The author makes use of complex metaphors.

Pronominal 'valer-se de'.

7

Não vale a pena insistir no erro.

It's not worth persisting in the mistake.

Philosophical advice.

8

A medida passará a valer a partir de amanhã.

The measure will take effect starting tomorrow.

Meaning 'to take effect/be valid'.

1

A sua retórica, embora brilhante, pouco valia contra os factos.

His rhetoric, though brilliant, was worth little against the facts.

Nuanced contrast.

2

Valer-se-á o governo de novas taxas?

Will the government resort to new taxes?

Mesoclisis (formal future pronominal).

3

O sacrifício valeu a redenção do povo.

The sacrifice earned the redemption of the people.

High literary register.

4

A validade do argumento vale-se da sua lógica interna.

The validity of the argument relies on its internal logic.

Abstract pronominal use.

5

Possa a justiça valer acima de tudo.

May justice prevail above all.

Optative subjunctive.

6

O que vale a vida sem paixão?

What is life worth without passion?

Rhetorical philosophical question.

7

A palavra empenhada vale mais que o ouro lavrado.

A pledged word is worth more than wrought gold.

Archaic/Proverbial style.

8

Fez valer a sua autoridade de forma implacável.

He enforced his authority relentlessly.

Complex 'fazer valer' usage.

자주 쓰는 조합

valer a pena
valer ouro
valer muito
valer pouco
fazer valer
valer a palavra
valer a vida
valer o investimento
valer o risco
valer a viagem

자주 혼동되는 단어

valer vs custar

valer vs merecer

valer vs servir

혼동하기 쉬운

valer vs valor

valer vs valente

valer vs velar

valer vs valar

valer vs valer-se

문장 패턴

사용법

nuance

'Valer' is about worth; 'Custar' is about price.

regional differences

Brazil uses 'valeu' for thanks; Portugal uses 'obrigado'.

자주 하는 실수
  • The first person singular is irregular.

  • The expression requires the preposition 'a'.

  • Use 'valer' for intrinsic value, 'custar' for the price tag.

  • In games, use 'valer' to say a point doesn't count.

  • Wait, this is actually correct, but people often forget the 'se' in 'valer-se de'.

Master the 'LH'

The 'lh' in 'valho' is crucial. Practice the sound by placing your tongue against the roof of your mouth, similar to the 'li' in 'million'.

Use 'Valeu' in Brazil

If you are in Brazil, using 'valeu' instead of 'obrigado' in casual settings like a bar or a shop will make you sound much more like a local.

Valer a Pena

This is the most important phrase. Use it whenever you want to say something was a good use of time or money. It's very common.

Valer Ouro

Use this metaphor to describe someone very helpful. 'Tu vales ouro!' is a great compliment for a friend.

Não Vale!

If you play sports or games with Portuguese speakers, 'não vale' is your go-to phrase for calling out cheating or invalid moves.

Formal Contexts

In formal writing, use 'valer-se de' instead of 'usar' to sound more sophisticated. For example: 'O autor vale-se de dados estatísticos'.

Context Clues

When you hear 'vale', check if it's followed by a number (price) or 'a pena' (worth it). This helps you distinguish the meaning instantly.

Confidence

Don't be afraid of the irregular 'valho'. Even if you mess it up, people will understand you, but getting it right shows high proficiency.

Visual Association

Imagine a gold coin with the word 'VALER' stamped on it to remember that it means 'to be worth'.

Learn the Proverb

Memorize 'Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois a voar'. It's the Portuguese version of 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Value'. Valer starts with 'Val' just like 'Value'. If something is 'Val-id', it 'Val-es'.

어원

Latin

문화적 맥락

Informal 'valeu' is ubiquitous.

More formal usage in shops, though 'valer a pena' is universal.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Achas que vale a pena comprar um carro elétrico?"

"Quanto vale a tua casa hoje em dia?"

"Valeu a pena estudar português?"

"O que é que vale mais para ti: tempo ou dinheiro?"

"Vale a pena visitar a tua cidade no inverno?"

일기 주제

Escreve sobre algo que valeu muito a pena na tua vida.

O que faz um amigo valer ouro?

Vale a pena arriscar tudo por um sonho? Porquê?

Descreve uma situação onde 'não valeu' batota.

Como fazes valer os teus direitos no dia a dia?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'eu valo' is a common mistake. The correct form is 'eu valho'. This is one of the few irregular forms of the verb 'valer' in the present indicative.

No, the correct expression is 'valer a pena' followed directly by the infinitive or a noun. For example, 'Vale a pena ir' or 'Vale a pena o esforço'.

In Brazil, 'valeu' is a very common informal way to say 'thanks', 'bye', or 'okay'. It's like saying 'it's all good' or 'that counts'.

You say 'não vale a pena'. You can also say 'não vale o esforço' (it's not worth the effort).

Yes, you can say 'Ele vale muito para mim' (He is worth a lot to me/I value him a lot) or 'Ela vale ouro' (She is worth gold/She is very valuable).

'Custar' refers to the price you pay for something. 'Valer' refers to the actual value of the thing. A cheap car might 'custar' 500 euros but 'valer' nothing.

Yes, especially regarding rules, tickets, or laws. 'Este bilhete vale por um mês' means 'This ticket is valid for one month'.

It follows the 'valh-' stem: que eu valha, que tu valhas, que ele valha, que nós valhamos, que vós valhais, que eles valham.

It means to enforce or to make something count. 'Fazer valer a sua opinião' means to make your opinion count or to assert it.

Mostly, but it is irregular in the first person singular of the present indicative ('valho') and throughout the present subjunctive ('valha').

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Write a sentence using 'valer a pena' about your favorite hobby.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe the value of a family heirloom using the verb 'valer'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short dialogue in a market using 'Quanto vale?'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain a rule of a game using 'não vale'.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'eu valho' in a sentence about self-worth.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a formal sentence using 'fazer valer os direitos'.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Create a sentence with 'valer-se de' in a professional context.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Compare the value of two different cities using 'valer'.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a reaction to a surprise using 'Valha-me Deus!'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain why learning Portuguese 'vale a pena'.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a currency exchange rate.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'valerá' in a sentence about a future contract.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a person who 'vale ouro' to you.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'não valeu' regarding a sports match.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'valha o que valer' in a sentence about commitment.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a promotion that 'vale até amanhã'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'valeria a pena' in a hypothetical situation.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe an object that 'não vale nada'.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a ticket that 'vale por dois'.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'vale ressaltar' to introduce an important point.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Quanto diz o vendedor que o quadro vale?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

O que a mãe diz que não vale a pena?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

O golo foi considerado válido?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

O que significa 'valeu' neste contexto?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Quando é que as novas tarifas começam a ser aplicadas?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
sentence order

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Quanto vale este carro?
sentence order

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Vale a pena estudar muito.
sentence order

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Eu valho o que sou.
sentence order

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: O golo não valeu.
sentence order

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: A tua palavra vale ouro.
writing

Write a sentence using 'valer por dois'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a situation where you had to 'fazer valer' your opinion.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
sentence order

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Não vale a pena esperar.
writing

Write a sentence using 'valer a pena' in the past tense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'valer-se de' in a sentence about a student using a dictionary.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
sentence order

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Tudo vale a pena.
writing

Write a sentence about a rule that 'não vale' na tua casa.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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