Meaning
To be extremely expensive, costing a very large amount of money.
Cultural Background
In Spain, people often use 'valer un ojo de la cara' alongside 'costar una fortuna'. Mexicans frequently use 'costar un dineral' as a synonym for 'costar una fortuna'. Due to high inflation, this phrase is used very frequently in daily life. It is common to hear this in informal contexts when discussing luxury goods.
Verb Agreement
Always check if the object is singular or plural. 'El coche cuesta', 'Los coches cuestan'.
Regional Variations
In some countries, 'dineral' is more common than 'fortuna' in casual speech.
Meaning
To be extremely expensive, costing a very large amount of money.
Verb Agreement
Always check if the object is singular or plural. 'El coche cuesta', 'Los coches cuestan'.
Regional Variations
In some countries, 'dineral' is more common than 'fortuna' in casual speech.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct conjugation.
Esos zapatos __________ una fortuna.
The subject 'zapatos' is plural, so we use 'cuestan'.
Which of these is the correct way to say something is expensive?
Select the correct phrase.
Fortuna is feminine and requires 'una'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres comprar ese coche? B: No, __________.
The context is about buying a car, so we use the price idiom.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEsos zapatos __________ una fortuna.
The subject 'zapatos' is plural, so we use 'cuestan'.
Select the correct phrase.
Fortuna is feminine and requires 'una'.
A: ¿Quieres comprar ese coche? B: No, __________.
The context is about buying a car, so we use the price idiom.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is only for things or services.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a news report.
Use 'es muy barato' or 'cuesta muy poco'.
Related Phrases
Valer un ojo de la cara
synonymTo cost an eye of the face (very expensive).
Costar un dineral
synonymTo cost a large amount of money.
Ser un robo
similarTo be a robbery (overpriced).
Costar trabajo
contrastTo be difficult.
